The University President of Karamoja Peace and Technology University [KAPATU] also the Kotido Catholic Diocese Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dominic Eibu MCCJ on Friday 11^th July 2025 undertook a familiarization tour of the KAPATU Kampala coordination office located in Bugoloobi.

The University President was welcomed by Deputy Vice Chancellor- Academic Affairs Prof. Annette Kezaabu alongside other top management officials and Deans.

The purpose of his visit was to be briefed on the progress of the development of the different departments of the university and also to interact with the staff.

In his address, Bishop Eibu commended the university staff for the efforts being exhibited, noting that no amount of money is enough to reward them for their good work, but only God.

“You have been working voluntarily. You’ve really proved yourselves that you’re real missionaries. The person who will reward you is God himself first, and then people will come in [later]. The sacrifice you’ve made is immense, and this tells you that our studies are for service rendering. So, please carry on until we succeed,” Bishop Eibu, the KAPATU President said.

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Bishop Eibu assured the university staff that His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni fully supports the KAPATU project. The President has long sought a partner to establish a university in the Karamoja sub-region. Bishop Eibu conveyed that the President expressed his happiness about the Catholic Church’s initiative to set up a university in the area, emphasizing his desire for the project to be fully implemented. He also informed the staff that the people of Karamoja have embraced this project and are eager to find ways to participate in it.

“The good news is that the community has warmly welcomed the project. They are now asking questions like, “Where is our university?” This shows that it’s no longer just KAPATU; it’s now our university. As a result, we no longer feel like outsiders.” he said.

He mentioned that many people have high expectations for this project, particularly in the area of skills development. He pointed out that KAPATU’s strategy of providing hands-on training to students at various levels makes it unique, as it addresses the interests of all stakeholders.

Additionally, he noted that the project has created anxiety among the people of Karamoja, who are concerned about how they will be integrated into it. “Many people are coming to me asking how they can become part of us” he revealed.

On his part, the KAPATU Vice Chancellor who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor- Academic Affairs Prof. Annette Kezaabu, described the visit by the KAPATU President as a great honor, noting that his visit clearly showed that the KAPATU project is moving forward.

“Your presence signifies progress. We were founded to transform Karamoja and Ateker region but not to compete with anybody. Our programs are not tailored for prestige but for purpose. We look to you for a bold reason. As staff, we are ready to serve the institution wholeheartedly,” he said.

Prof. Annette Kezaabu provided an update to the University President regarding the accreditation progress of KAPATU programs, which will soon be submitted to the National Council for Higher Education. She also mentioned that the university management is actively working on an operational plan for the inauguration of the Chancellor, scheduled to take place in two months. Additionally, KAPATU plans to offer short courses as a means to boost revenue and create a pool of candidates ready to pursue higher-level programs at the diploma and degree levels.

KAPATU University Secretary Henry Kyarimpa noted that the project is progressing steadily, emphasising that the possibilities are limitless. He explained that both academic and critical staff have been appointed, addressing all necessary preparations for the university’s launch.

“We are progressing rapidly, and if we maintain this pace, we may not need the usual three years that universities typically require before starting admissions and training. We are very much ready to achieve our goal of transforming Karamoja socially and economically,” he stated.

Gabriel Kazigo Rwaguburi, KAPATU’s Director of Human Resources, assured the university President that when recruiting support staff, priority will be given to individuals from Karamoja and the Ateker community. He confirmed that 50% of these positions will be allocated to local residents to enhance community ownership and participation in KAPATU.

ABOUT KAPATU

KAPATU is a new public university established through a collaboration between the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kotido, the Catholic Lawyers Society International (CLASI), led by its president, Counsel Severino Twinobusingye, and the government of Uganda. The university’s main campus is located in Kotido municipality in the Karamoja region. Its mission is to promote peace and sustainable development in the area through education.

The concept for KAPATU was conceived in 2014, and the university was officially launched on April 29, 2023, during a colorful ceremony at Nsambya. The event was presided over by H.E. the Vice President, Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, who represented H.E. the President. The KAPATU project is overseen by a Strategic Leadership Committee, chaired by President Museveni, who serves as the founding Chancellor, and Vice President Jessica Alupo, who is the founding Deputy Chancellor.

The government has allocated Shs 180 billion for the establishment of the university, following a special cabinet meeting held on December 16, 2024, chaired by H.E. the President and attended by H.E. the Vice President.