Karamoja Varsity Disputes NCHE Claims Over Accreditation, Governance
By Skika Reporter
A dispute has emerged between Karamoja Peace and Technology University (KAPATU) and the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) over claims of non-compliance, governance structure, and the status of the university’s accreditation process.
The disagreement follows remarks made by Mary J. N. Okwakol during her appearance before Parliament’s Sectoral Committee on Education on April 9, 2026, where she raised concerns about the institution’s readiness for full accreditation.
According to parliamentary records, Okwakol told lawmakers that the proposed university had not fully complied with accreditation requirements, had governance challenges, and had been advised to apply formally as a private university under the established legal framework.
However, KAPATU has strongly rejected the allegations, describing them as inaccurate and misleading.
In a statement, the Chair of Council, Twinobusingye Severino, said the university had complied with all legal requirements for establishment under the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, Cap 262.
“The promoters of KAPATU take very strong exception to these false allegations that are deliberately designed to mislead His Excellency the President, Parliament, NCHE, and the general public,” Twinobusingye said.
The university further accused unnamed actors of what it termed a “pattern of distortion” aimed at frustrating the establishment of a higher education institution in the Karamoja region.
KAPATU insists it has met the conditions set out in its Letter of Interim Authority issued in April 2024, including fundraising, infrastructure development, staffing, and institutional readiness.
The promoters say they have mobilised a Shs 30 billion contribution from the President, alongside €300 million in pledged development funding, and secured more than 150 acres of land for the project.
They also point to existing facilities, including lecture halls, offices, student accommodation, a library, security systems, and internet infrastructure, as evidence of preparedness.
According to the university, a formal application for a provisional licence was submitted on October 27, 2025, and has already been reviewed by an NCHE-appointed inspection team.
“It is therefore surprising and concerning that the Executive Director would publicly declare non-compliance before the NCHE Council has formally considered our application,” the statement said, warning that such comments risk prejudicing the ongoing regulatory process.
KAPATU also rejected claims that it had resisted registration as a private university, insisting it has followed all required procedures.
On governance concerns, the promoters defended the appointment of national leaders as founding chancellor and deputy chancellor, arguing that the arrangements are lawful and grounded in institutional and historical considerations.
“There is no legal impediment to these appointments,” the statement said, adding that they fall outside the jurisdiction of NCHE at the current stage.
The university also cited legal provisions allowing religious institutions to establish higher learning institutions, noting the involvement of the dioceses of Kotido and Moroto in the project.
KAPATU reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and said it remains focused on establishing what it described as a transformative institution intended to expand access to higher education in Karamoja and beyond.
The NCHE has not yet issued a fresh response to the university’s latest statement.
