BREAKING; Karamoja Peace and Technology University (KAPATU) Responds to NCHE's Executive Director! Addressed Accreditation Disputes & Allegations Of Project Stalling

Karamoja Peace and Technology University (KAPATU) Limited has responded to statements made by Mary J. N. Okwakol, Executive Director of the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), regarding the status of the university project.

Prof. Okwakol, while appearing before the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Education on 9 April 2026, said that the KAPATU project had stalled due to failure to meet accreditation guidelines and governance standards required by the regulator.

In a formal response, issued by President, Catholic Lawyer Society International also 3rd Unversity Vice President and Chair Council of Karamoja Peace and Technology University (KAPATU), dismissed these claims as false, misleading and provided a detailed clarification aimed at informing the public and stakeholders about the project’s current status.

The promoters of KAPATU expressed concern over the remarks, describing them as misleading and potentially damaging to the progress of what they say is the first major university initiative in the Karamoja sub-region.

They further alleged that the statements reflect broader institutional disagreements involving sections of the NCHE, the Ministry of Education, and the Attorney General’s Chambers. However, they did not provide specific evidence to substantiate claims of coordinated interference.

KAPATU maintains that it is fully compliant with Uganda’s legal framework governing higher education, particularly the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, which sets standards for licensing and accreditation of universities.

The university noted that it was granted a Letter of Interim Authority by NCHE on 19 April 2024. This authorization allowed the institution to begin preparatory activities under four key conditions:

* Mobilization of financial resources

* Development of physical infrastructure

* Establishment of academic and administrative systems

* Continued institutional development toward full accreditation

According to KAPATU, significant progress has been made across all these areas.

The promoters reported that the project has secured substantial financial backing, including UGX 30 billion in support from Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and approximately EUR 300 million (about UGX 1.2 trillion) from international development partners.

They stated that these funds are intended not only for university construction but also for broader community development initiatives, including water infrastructure projects aimed at improving access across the Karamoja region.

In terms of physical development, KAPATU reports that several facilities are already in place, including a library, lecture halls, office spaces, staff accommodation, and a police post. More than 150 acres of land have been secured, while construction of the main administration block is reportedly 42 percent complete.

On governance, KAPATU rejected concerns about its leadership structure, stating that its establishment by the Catholic Dioceses of Kotido and Moroto is legally grounded and consistent with both national law and church governance traditions.

The promoters emphasized that religious institutions have historically contributed to education development in Uganda, particularly in underserved regions.

They also defended the appointment of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as Founding Chancellor and Jessica Rose Epel Alupo as Founding Deputy Chancellor, stating that these appointments align with the institution’s founding vision and are not in violation of any legal provisions.

Karamoja remains one of Uganda’s least served regions in terms of access to higher education. The establishment of a fully accredited university in the region is widely seen as a potential catalyst for social and economic transformation, including improved access to skills training, research opportunities, and local employment.

However, experts note that strict adherence to accreditation standards is essential to ensure quality education, protect students, and maintain the integrity of Uganda’s higher education system.

The institution expressed optimism that ongoing dialogue and transparency will help resolve outstanding concerns and allow the project to move forward in the interest of the Karamoja region and the country at large.

Recently, Abim District Woman MP, Hon. Janet Okori-Moe, questioned NCHE’s reluctance to licence the university, noting that the project enjoys high level political backing.

“How can you say that KAPATU does not exist when it has been blessed by the fountain of honour?” asked Hon. Okori-Moe.

Meanwhile, The chairperson Parliamentary Committee on Education and Sports, Hon. James Kubeketerya, observed that the proposal for a Karamoja-based university is timely and called on stakeholders to resolve the outstanding issues.

“The spirit is there and no one blocking it - it is only to ensure that the formalities are done but we cannot go to the point of no return - we are moving forward only that there is a lot if controversy,” said Kubeketerya.

He tasked Hon. Okori-Moe and IK County MP, Hon. Hillary Lokwang, to engage regional leaders and KAPATU promoters to harmonise positions and facilitate a smooth transition of the project into a fully-fledged university.

Kubeketerya further directed that concerns surrounding KAPATU be prioritised in the committee’s forthcoming engagement with the education ministry as Parliament concludes scrutiny of Ministerial Policy Statements for the 2026/2027 financial year.