The construction of the Karamoja Peace and Technology University in Karamoja region’s Kotido district has been launched.

The foundation of the university, which is expected to foster peace and education in the Great Lakes region, was laid by Vice-President Jessica Alupo at Losilang ward, Kotido on Friday.

The project is being spearheaded by Kotido Catholic Diocese, led by Bishop Dominic Eibu, and the Catholic Lawyers Society International.

When completed, the university is expected to offer courses in computer science and applied technology; oil, gas and metals industry and education; peace and security studies; environment; agriculture and veterinary medicine; health sciences; business and entrepreneurship and law, among others.

In her remarks, the Vice-President said the establishment of the university will drive and lead the process of providing quality transformational and inspiring education to produce practical and skilled professionals who will greatly contribute to the process of social-economic transformation and development of the Great Lakes region.

“The university will help conduct research and build the capacity of the youth, women and community leaders, develop knowledge and community-based peace infrastructure to promote harmony, security and stability in the region,” she said.

 Alupo further noted that when completed, the university — the first ever in Karamoja — will develop appropriate technology to harness natural resources for wealth creation and integral human development.

She assured locals and development partners that the Government supported the establishment of the university from its inception and that it will ensure its sustainability.

She informed the audience that as deputy chancellor and with President Yoweri Museveni as chancellor, they will ensure that all programmes are relevant in the job market.

Transformative role

Bishop Eibu said the university would be solid because it is being constructed in the heart of Karamoja and shall play a transformative role in the region.

He asked the Government to support the initiative to ensure it becomes a success adding that its success here is also theirs.

“Together, we should hold this project at heart for the good of Karamoja and the great lakes region,” the bishop said.

He also urged the people of Karamoja to embrace government poverty alleviation programmes such as the Parish Development Model.

Soverino Twinobusingye, the president of Catholic Lawyers Society International, appealed to all to come so that they can learn together and acquire knowledge and skills that will help them transform their lives for sustainable growth.

Twinobusingye said the university will promote the adoption of appropriate technology to supply clean water for agriculture, human and animal consumption and mitigate the challenges caused by climate change.

Amnesty for reformed warriors

Alupo also gave reassurances of amnesty from the Government to reformed youths who voluntarily returned a gun that was used to kill two Uganda People’s Defence Forces soldiers in Kotido last week.

She noted that Karamoja needs books, pens, pencils and rubbers, not guns.