KAPATU (Karamoja Peace and Technology University) Clash with NCHE Sparks Debate Among Campus Students
A major dispute has erupted between the promoters of the Karamoja Peace and Technology University (KAPATU) and the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), raising fresh concerns about access to higher education in Uganda—especially among campus students following the developments closely.
The controversy began after Prof. Mary J.N. Okwakol, Executive Director of NCHE, appeared before the Parliament of Uganda’s Sectoral Committee on Education on April 9, 2026.
During her submission, she reportedly stated that the KAPATU project had stalled due to failure to meet accreditation requirements, particularly citing governance structure concerns.
However, in a strongly worded response released on April 13, 2026, KAPATU promoters dismissed the remarks as “false, misleading, and deliberately intended to sabotage” what would become the first university in the Karamoja region.
The university project—spearheaded by the Catholic Dioceses of Kotido and Moroto in partnership with the Catholic Lawyers Society International—issued a detailed rebuttal addressing each of NCHE’s claims.
On compliance, KAPATU insists it has fully adhered to the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, fulfilling all conditions under the Interim Authority granted in April 2024. These include mobilizing funds, securing infrastructure, recruiting staff, and advancing institutional development.
On funding, the promoters revealed that President Yoweri Museveni has already committed UGX 30 billion to the project, with part of the funds already financing an administration block currently at 42% completion. They also cited a massive EUR 300 million (approximately UGX 1.2 trillion) pledge from international partners aimed at supporting infrastructure and regional water development.
KAPATU further states that it already possesses adequate infrastructure for immediate operation, including lecture halls, a functional library, staff housing, internet connectivity, and over 150 acres of land. According to the promoters, this exceeds the minimum requirements for establishing a university in Uganda.
The institution also clarified that it applied for a Provisional Licence as a private university in October 2025—contradicting NCHE’s claims that it had refused to do so. A verification team from NCHE reportedly confirmed that all requirements had been met.
A key point of contention is NCHE’s claim that the Catholic Church cannot serve as a foundation body for a university.
KAPATU disputes this, citing provisions within Ugandan law that allow religious institutions to establish universities.
The promoters argue that the statements made before Parliament could influence the NCHE Council unfairly before it formally reviews KAPATU’s licence application.
For many university students across Uganda, this isn’t just a legal dispute—it’s about education equity. Karamoja remains one of the most underserved regions in the country, and KAPATU represents a rare opportunity to expand access to higher education.
Students have taken to social media platforms and campus discussions to weigh in, with many questioning whether institutional barriers are slowing down development in marginalized regions.
The possibility of a fully functional university in Karamoja could significantly reduce the burden on students who currently have to travel long distances to access higher education in cities like Kampala, Mbarara, or Gulu.
The NCHE Council is expected to sit and review KAPATU’s Provisional Licence application, now under intense public scrutiny. Meanwhile, KAPATU promoters have indicated they are ready to pursue all legal and administrative avenues to ensure the project moves forward.
As the standoff unfolds, students and education stakeholders alike are watching closely, with the outcome likely to shape the future of university access in Uganda.
Campus Plus will continue to follow this developing story.