Promoters of the Karamoja Peace and Technology University (KAPATU) have strongly dismissed claims by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) that the project has stalled, describing the allegations as false and misleading.

In a detailed response, KAPATU officials said remarks made by NCHE Executive Director Mary J. N. Okwakol before Parliament’s Education Committee last week were intended to undermine the establishment of the institution.

“The promoters of KAPATU take very strong exception to these false allegations that are deliberately designed to mislead H.E. the President of Uganda, Parliament, the NCHE and all stakeholders,” the statement reads.

Prof. Okwakol had told legislators that the university project had stalled after failing to meet accreditation requirements, citing governance concerns and alleging that the Catholic-founded initiative had resisted applying for private university status.

However, KAPATU promoters insist the project is fully compliant with the law and has met all conditions set under the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act.

“The establishment of KAPATU is in strict compliance with the provisions of the law, and the promoters have fully complied with the conditions set out in the Letter of Interim Authority issued by NCHE,” the statement adds.

The promoters further revealed that substantial financial and infrastructural investments have already been secured to support the university’s launch.

“For avoidance of doubt, the promoters have mobilised enough funds, including Shs30 billion donated by H.E. the President, and secured commitments from international development partners worth over Shs1.2 trillion for infrastructure and water provision in Karamoja,” the statement notes.

They added that the university already has essential facilities in place, including a functional library, lecture halls, staff accommodation, security systems, and more than 150 acres of land for expansion.

“This by far exceeds the minimum requirements set out under the law for establishment of a private university. As a matter of fact, no university in Uganda has ever started with these resources,” the promoters said.

KAPATU also rejected claims that it had refused to apply for private university status, clarifying that it formally applied for a provisional licence as a private institution in October 2025 and has since undergone verification by NCHE.

“It is therefore disingenuous… to state before Parliament that KAPATU has refused to become a private institution,” the statement says.

On the role of the Catholic Church, the promoters maintained that its involvement is lawful and protected under both Ugandan legislation and Canon Law.

“Section 27 of the Act permits the Catholic Church to participate in founding a university. It is therefore wrong to suggest that the Church is prohibited by law from acting as a foundation body,” they said.

The statement also defended the appointment of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Jessica Rose Epel Alupo as founding Chancellor and Deputy Chancellor respectively, saying their roles are legally sound and beyond the jurisdiction of NCHE.

“There is no legal impediment to these appointments under any law, and the positions are non substitutable,” the promoters stated.

KAPATU leaders accused some actors within government institutions of attempting to frustrate the project.

“The false allegations… fit in a deliberately calculated pattern of distortion by some actors… aimed at failing all efforts towards the realisation of the first ever university in Karamoja Region,” the statement adds.

Stories Continues after ad

Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Frank Tumwebaze has dismissed public concerns about his recent weight loss, saying he is in good health and that his new look is the result of deliberate lifestyle changes.

The minister’s clarification comes days after sections of the public expressed worry over his slimmer appearance, with some sending messages wishing him a quick recovery amid speculation that he could be unwell.

Addressing the concerns, Tumwebaze instead used the moment to warn about the rising burden of non communicable diseases, urging health professionals to take the matter seriously.

“To health educators and promoters, epidemiologists, nutritionists and all health professionals, I am really worried. And you too should be,” he said, noting that the fight against such diseases is far from over.

He pointed to widespread misconceptions about body weight as a major challenge undermining public health awareness.

“The dominant but mistaken thinking that being heavy, overweight, and obese equals being healthy, and on the other hand being slim and small-framed equals being unhealthy is a serious cause for alarm,” Tumwebaze said.

He emphasized that being lean should not be equated to poor health, arguing instead that it reflects strength and discipline.

“To the contrary, a lean body equals a strong one. Is this hard to understand?” he added.

The minister explained that weight loss should only raise concern when it is unintentional or linked to illness, but maintained that deliberate efforts to reduce weight are beneficial.

“Weight loss can only be worrying if it is unintentional, unexplainable and most times due to malnutrition or an involuntary metabolic syndrome associated with underlying chronic sickness,” he said, before adding that intentional weight management should be encouraged.

“But if weight loss is intentional and achieved through measures such as dieting or slimming that involve reducing one’s total body mass through calorie reduction, increased physical activity or lifestyle changes, it is nothing else but an act to celebrate,” he said.

Tumwebaze described maintaining a healthy body weight as a key goal for individuals seeking better health outcomes, stressing that discipline is essential in achieving it.

He acknowledged that his new appearance may have unsettled some people who are not used to seeing him that way, but reassured the public that there is no cause for alarm.

“Yes, looking lean or slim may worry some that may not be used to a person’s new looks, but it is all okay,” he said, adding that obesity should not be glorified.

“Obesity has never been a badge of honor,” he noted.

Responding directly to well wishers, the minister expressed gratitude while firmly dispelling rumours about his health.

“So dear friends sending me messages of quick recovery, especially those doing so out of love, please take heart, I am not sick. My new looks are intentional,” he said.

He added,“It is well with me and I thank God for all his blessings and mostly the gift of life.”

Tumwebaze said he was speaking from the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi, where he is currently attending engagements.

Stories Continues after ad

Tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia and members of the Nepali community have collected over 80 litres of blood in support of this year’s Kabaka Birthday Run, boosting efforts to address persistent shortages in Uganda’s blood bank.

The event was held at Acacia Mall in Kamwokya, Kampala in conjunction with Nakasero Blood Bank. 

The blood donation drive, organised by the Non Resident Nepali Association Uganda was held alongside the annual run in honour of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, drawing strong participation from both Ugandans and foreign residents.

Speaking at the event, Samuel Davis Want, who led the blood mobilisation team, said the Kabaka’s message continues to inspire life saving efforts across communities.

“The Kabaka encouraged people to donate blood to save those in urgent need, especially mothers during childbirth. On a day like today, which marks his birthday, many women across Uganda require blood,” he said.

He also commended the Nepali community for their contribution, noting that it includes rare blood types that are often difficult to access.

“We appreciate the Nepali community because some of the blood they donate includes rare types such as Rhesus negative, which are critical in emergency situations,” he added.

Sudhir Ruparelia said the initiative was necessary given the continued strain on the national blood supply.

“There is a blood shortage in the country and the blood bank needs more supply. I want to thank the Non Resident Nepali Association for organizing this blood camp. They do it every year and this is not an exception,” he said.

He noted that the community had set an ambitious target for the day’s exercise.

“Today is about blood donation by the Nepali community in Uganda, and our target was to have at least 300 people donate. We are grateful to everyone who has turned up to support this cause,” he added.

Rama Aryal, chairperson of the association, said the drive is part of their continued commitment to saving lives.

“Today we are here for blood donation as the Non Resident Nepali Association Uganda. Our target was 300 donors. Donate blood and save a life,” she said.

The Non Resident Nepali Association has over the years organised regular blood donation campaigns in Uganda, contributing significantly to the national blood bank and supporting hospitals during periods of critical shortage.

This year’s Kabaka Birthday Run has attracted thousands of participants across Kampala and other parts of the country, with runners taking part in different categories in a show of unity and commitment to public health.

The run, a flagship initiative of the Buganda Kingdom aims to mobilise communities to tackle key health challenges. 

In recent years, it has focused on the fight against HIV and AIDS, particularly the elimination of mother to child transmission while also promoting testing, treatment and overall community awareness.

The efforts of this event reflect the importance of collective action in saving lives and strengthening Uganda’s healthcare system.

Stories Continues after ad

Women entrepreneurs running technology and tech-enabled businesses have been encouraged to apply for the 2026 cohort of the Standard Chartered Women in Technology (WiT) Accelerator programme as stakeholders aim to unlock the potential of women-led enterprises in Uganda’s digital economy.

The call was made during the official launch of the programme’s second cohort at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, where partners positioned the initiative as a strategic intervention to address systemic barriers that continue to limit women entrepreneurs from scaling high-growth ventures.

Delivered by the Standard Chartered Foundation in partnership with Innovation Village and Village Capital, and implemented by Future Lab, the three-year programme goes beyond traditional entrepreneurship training. It combines market access, investment readiness, mentorship, and catalytic funding to support sustainable business growth.

Speaking at the launch, Standard Chartered Bank Uganda Chief Executive Officer, Sanjay Rughani, urged women founders to take advantage of the opportunity, noting that the programme is designed to address structural challenges that hinder enterprise growth.

“Persistent inequalities across Uganda and the region continue to limit the growth of women-led businesses. Yet empowering women is critical to economic development and the prosperity of communities,” Rughani said.

Rughani added,“This accelerator goes beyond skills development to provide mentorship, networks, and funding needed to build resilient, revenue-generating enterprises.”

Running from April to October 2026, the 30-week accelerator targets women entrepreneurs with scalable, impact-driven solutions and is expected to deliver measurable outcomes, including job creation and increased market participation.

Unlike conventional accelerators, the Women in Tech programme adopts a three-pillar model aimed at tackling ecosystem-level constraints.

According to Japheth Kawanguzi, Team Lead at Innovation Village, the model comprises a Community of Practice, an Accelerator, and a Market Integration component.

“Beyond supporting individual enterprises, the programme is building a sustainable pipeline of women entrepreneurs while strengthening linkages across the technology ecosystem,” Kawanguzi said.

He added that up to 20 women-led businesses will be supported through the accelerator, with at least 14 expected to graduate as investment-ready ventures. The Market Integration pillar will connect participants to real business opportunities through pilot partnerships, commercial agreements, and investor networks. 

“A newly introduced Community of Practice will connect founders, investors, and industry leaders, ensuring continued support beyond the programme cycle,” Kawanguzi emphasised.

The launch comes at a time when gender disparities persist in Uganda’s technology sector, where women account for only about 18 percent of the workforce. Many continue to face limited access to financing, digital skills, and professional networks.

Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Monica Musenero, said the government has taken deliberate steps to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and bridge gaps between policy and practice.

“We have established dedicated structures, including an economic unit for Science, Technology and Innovation metrics, to bridge the gap between policy and knowledge,” she said. “Through STI, we are rolling out town halls and platforms to improve access to information, facilities, and innovation spaces.”

She added that the Women in Tech programme aligns with Uganda’s national priorities. “It contributes directly to building a knowledge-based economy and advancing the country’s broader economic transformation agenda.”

Arthur Mukembo, Chief Executive Officer at Future Lab, noted that the inaugural cohort supported 12 women entrepreneurs, with top performers receiving up to $10,000 in catalytic funding to scale their ventures.

“In 2026, we aim to support up to 20 enterprises, deploy $50,000 in catalytic funding to top-performing entrepreneurs, and create over 100 direct and indirect jobs,” Mukembo said. “We also expect at least 60 new jobs and more than 10 live commercial pilots.”

Globally, the Standard Chartered Foundation has committed over $600,000 in grant funding for the 2026 cohort across 12 markets, including Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. To date, the initiative has supported more than 4,000 women founders across 17 markets.

With applications now open, partners are positioning the Women in Tech Accelerator as a critical entry point for women entrepreneurs seeking to transition from early-stage ventures to scalable businesses.

Stories Continues after ad

The environmental restoration movement led by Rotarians is steadily transforming communities across Uganda, with a focus on tree planting, conservation and sustainable living.

In a statement, Rotary District 9213 Governor, Geoffrey Martin Kitakule said the initiative is gaining momentum across the country, driven by partnerships with schools, communities and institutions committed to reversing environmental degradation.

“Across Uganda, a quiet but powerful movement is taking root, one tree, one community and one project at a time. Environmental restoration is becoming a defining pillar of Rotary’s impact, transforming landscapes while uplifting livelihoods,” Kitakule said.

Rotary and Rotaract clubs have mobilised communities and schools to plant trees and adopt environmentally friendly practices. Kitakule noted that the effort is not just about numbers but about long term impact on ecosystems and livelihoods.

“These efforts are not just about numbers. Each tree planted represents a step toward restoring degraded forests, a natural defense against climate change, and a boost to soil fertility and agricultural productivity,” he explained.

The initiative has also seen increased community involvement, with young people, local leaders and families taking part in environmental stewardship. In many areas, tree planting has become a shared responsibility that is strengthening local resilience.

Uganda’s wetlands and water sources, which are vital lifelines for both people and ecosystems, are also a key focus. 

Kitakule said Rotarians are working to protect and restore these fragile environments through awareness campaigns and conservation projects.

“Through campaigns and conservation projects such as Run for the Nile, Rotary is helping to reduce wetland degradation and protect the Nile and Lake Victoria. These efforts not only protect biodiversity but also strengthen resilience against climate related challenges,”he said. 

Schools have emerged as critical centres for change, with initiatives promoting energy efficient cookstoves and better waste management practices. According to Kitakule, these practical solutions demonstrate that environmental conservation can be simple and beneficial to everyday life.

“At the heart of Rotary’s environmental activities is education. By engaging schools, youth groups and community members, we are building a culture of awareness and responsibility,” he said.

Youth engagement has also been strengthened through Rotaract clubs, which are leading clean up drives and environmental campaigns aimed at inspiring innovation and sustainability among young people.

Kitakule highlighted the importance of partnerships in scaling up impact, noting that collaboration with local communities, government institutions and international partners has enabled Rotary to expand its reach.

“Together with Uganda Breweries Limited and the National Forestry Authority, we are restoring Namamaga Forest Reserve. With EACOP, we are greening schools in over six districts along the oil pipeline,” he said.

He added that the environmental work undertaken by Rotarians goes beyond conservation and speaks to broader issues of health, food security and climate resilience.

“The environmental work executed by Rotary in Uganda is more than conservation. It is a commitment to life, health and future prosperity. Healthy ecosystems mean better food security, more resilient communities and continued climate action,” Kitakule said.

Kitakule urged more Ugandans to take part in protecting the environment, stressing that collective action is key to achieving sustainable change.

“This is not just about healing the land. It is about inspiring a nation to care, to act, and to build a greener tomorrow. This is Rotary in action. This is hope growing,” he said.

Stories Continues after ad