By John Okello Lapok
It was a moment of joy and constructive discussion at the Karamoja Peace and Technology University [KAPATU] coordination offices in Bugoloobi [Kampala Capital City] as one of the leading Professors from Italy, Giorgio Andrian made an inaugural visit to this office.
Prof. Giorgio brings a wealth of experience spanning over 20 years in Environmental matters to KAPATU as he will lead the Department of Environmental Diplomacy within the Faculty of Peace and Diplomacy.
In the Ugandan context, Prof. Giorgio is credited for having advocated for the successful nomination of Mt. Moroto [in Karamoja] as a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve.
Inspired by the idea of developing Karamoja, in 2018 Prof. Giorgio came to Uganda to advocate for the protection of a forest on Mt. Moroto, describing his action as an act of peace.
This forest had been threatened with destruction by government and yet the local community wanted it preserved.
Prof. Giorgio’s vast experience in academic and project design management therefore; is highly expected to enhance KAPATU’s programs development and global connections.
KAPATU Deputy Vice Chancellor-Academic Affairs, Professor Annette Kezaabu welcomed Prof. Giorgio Andrian to KAPATU, noting that his involvement in KAPATU work will enhance academic excellence at the university.
“The dream is to transform Karamoja and the Ateker community in general. We are here to serve the unreached, to promote peace through learning and to transform lives not just through degrees but through service. We [therefore] celebrate the arrival of Prof. Giorgio Andrian to KAPATU, a timely reinforcement of our intellectual arsenal. His global insight in environmental diplomacy aligns seamlessly with our academic mandate. I am confident his presence will steer KAPATU to greater heights” she said.
She said that when KAPATU opens for student admissions and training, all students both local and international will be welcome even as this university primarily targets Karamoja and the Ateker community in general.
During the discussion, Prof. Giorgio thanked KAPATU coordination team led by Prof. Annette Kezaabu for the warm welcome accorded to him, describing KAPATU project as good news. He however, emphasized the need for KAPATU to involve the community so as to come up with programs that are relevant to their needs.
“I feel privileged to be involved in KAPATU; I think there will be no limits for us if we put in the real energy needed. Now, it’s an obligation for us to have community engagement. We need to go out and ask them what are your problems?” he advised.
He also observed the need for KAPATU to make university education relevant to promotion of peace and social transformation of society. Professor Giorgio noted that whereas education is meant to positively transform societies through research and innovations, in the West, education now means re-arming.
“In the West, more education now means rearming. This is bad. We now have a situation where 5% of national GDP is given to defense and education is merely given 0.9%.” he noted.
ABOUT KAPATU
KAPATU is a new public university established jointly by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kotido, Catholic Lawyers Society International [CLASI] headed by its president Counsel Severino Twinobusingye and the government of Uganda. With its main campus situated in Kotido municipality [Karamoja], the initiative aims to foster peace and sustainable development in the region through education. It was conceived in 2014 but actualized on April 29, 2023 in a colorful ceremony at Nsambya presided over by H.E the Vice President Maj. [Rtd] Jessica Alupo who represented H.E the President. KAPATU project is being overseen by a Strategic Leadership Committee chaired by President Museveni [founding Chancellor] and Vice President Jessica Alupo [founding deputy chancellor]. Government has in this FY2025/6 allocated Shs180bn for the university’s establishment following a special cabinet sitting on December 16 2024 chaired by H.E the President and also attended by H.E the Vice President.
