Karamoja Peace and Technology University (KAPATU) Limited has issued a strong rebuttal to misleading statements made by Prof. Mary J. N. Okwakol, the Executive Director of the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE). Prof. Okwakol made these claims during her presentation to the Sectoral Committee on Education in Parliament on 9th April 2026, alleging that KAPATU’s project had stalled due to its failure to meet accreditation guidelines and governance standards.
KAPATU firmly rejects these accusations and has provided a detailed clarification to address the situation.
False Allegations Aimed at Undermining KAPATU’s Efforts
The promoters of KAPATU have strongly condemned the false allegations, which they believe are part of a coordinated effort to prevent the establishment of the first university in Karamoja. According to KAPATU, these remarks are part of a wider campaign by certain factions within NCHE, the Ministry of Education, and the Attorney General’s Chambers to undermine the project’s success.
KAPATU assures the public that it is fully compliant with the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act and all legal requirements for establishing a university. In fact, KAPATU was granted a Letter of Interim Authority by NCHE on 19th April 2024, which outlined four critical areas for progress: mobilizing funds, acquiring infrastructure, organizing academic and administrative systems, and advancing the university’s development.
KAPATU’s Significant Progress: Meeting and Surpassing Requirements
Contrary to the claims made by Prof. Okwakol, KAPATU has met and even exceeded the requirements set out by NCHE. The project has secured substantial funding, including UGX 30 billion from President Museveni and EUR 300 million (approximately UGX 1.2 trillion) from international development partners. These funds will be used to develop the university’s infrastructure and provide water to the entire Karamoja region.
KAPATU has made significant progress in building its physical infrastructure. This includes a fully operational library, office spaces, lecture halls, staff accommodation, and a police post. Additionally, over 150 acres of land have been secured for future expansion, and the administration block is already 42% complete, funded by part of the UGX 30 billion donated by President Museveni.
KAPATU’s Legal and Religious Foundation
The promoters of KAPATU have also addressed concerns raised about the university’s governance structure. The Catholic Dioceses of Kotido and Moroto, as the founders of KAPATU, have every legal right to establish and manage the university. The Catholic Church’s involvement in founding the university is based on Canon Law, which gives the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Church the authority to establish universities within their dioceses.
Furthermore, the appointments of H.E. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as Founding Chancellor and H.E. Maj. Jessica Rose Epel Alupo as Founding Deputy Chancellor were made in full accordance with the NRA’s 10-Point Program. There are no legal barriers to these appointments, and the university’s governance structure is in full compliance with the law.
Conclusion: A Call for Fairness and Support
KAPATU calls on the National Council for Higher Education and all relevant stakeholders to act in good faith and support the development of the university, which will bring lasting benefits to the Karamoja region. The university’s establishment is progressing smoothly, and the promoters are committed to fulfilling all the necessary requirements to secure the Provisional Licence and full accreditation.
The KAPATU project is a groundbreaking initiative that will not only transform the educational landscape of Karamoja but also provide valuable opportunities for national development.
