It was a moment of joy and constructive discussion at the Karamoja Peace and Technology University (KAPATU) coordination offices in Bugoloobi [Kampala Capital City] as one of the leading Professors from Italy, Giorgio Andrian made an inaugural visit to this office.

Prof. Giorgio brings a wealth of experience spanning over 20 years in Environmental matters to KAPATU as he will lead the Department of Environmental Diplomacy within the Faculty of Peace and Diplomacy.

In the Ugandan context, Prof. Giorgio is credited for having advocated for the successful nomination of Mt. Moroto [in Karamoja] as a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve.

Inspired by the idea of developing Karamoja, in 2018, Prof. Giorgio came to Uganda to advocate for the protection of a forest on Mt. Moroto, describing his action as an act of peace.

This forest had been threatened with destruction by the government, and yet the local community wanted it preserved.

Prof. Giorgio’s vast experience in academic and project design management is therefore highly expected to enhance KAPATU’s program development and global connections.

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KAPATU Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Professor Annette Kezaabu, welcomed Prof. Giorgio Andrian to KAPATU, noting that his involvement in KAPATU’s work will enhance academic excellence at the university.

“The dream is to transform Karamoja and the Ateker community in general. We are here to serve the unreached, to promote peace through learning and to transform lives not just through degrees but through service. We therefore celebrate the arrival of Prof. Giorgio Andrian to KAPATU, a timely reinforcement of our intellectual arsenal. His global insight into environmental diplomacy aligns seamlessly with our academic mandate. I am confident his presence will steer KAPATU to greater heights,” she said.

Professor Kezaabu stated that when KAPATU begins student admissions and training, it will welcome all students, both local and international, although the university primarily focuses on the Karamoja region and the Ateker community.

During the discussion, Prof. Giorgio thanked the KAPATU coordination team led by Prof. Annette Kezaabu for the warm welcome accorded to him, describing the KAPATU project as good news. He, however, emphasised the need for KAPATU to involve the community in coming up with programs that are relevant to their needs.

“I feel privileged to be involved in KAPATU; I think there will be no limits for us if we put in the real energy needed. Now, it’s an obligation for us to have community engagements. We need to go out and ask them what your problems are?” he advised.

He also observed the need for KAPATU to make university education relevant to the promotion of peace and social transformation of society. Professor Giorgio noted that whereas education is meant to positively transform societies through research and innovations, in the West, education now means rearming.

“In the West, more education now means rearming. This is bad. We now have a situation where 5% of national GDP is given to defence and education is merely given 0.9%,” he noted.

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.