The Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) has formalized a groundbreaking education partnership with Livingstone International University (LIU), signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at significantly expanding higher education opportunities for the people of Teso. The collaboration will offer targeted scholarships and foster strategic educational collaboration, directly addressing longstanding academic challenges in the region.

The landmark agreement, witnessed today at the ICU headquarters by His Highness Emorimor Etomeileng Paul Sande Emolot, LIU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Buregea Bin Rwakenda Henri, ICU Prime Minister Andrew Ochole, and members of the ICU education department, marks a pivotal step in strengthening Teso's human resource base.

Under the terms of the MOU, Livingstone International University, a leading private institution based in Mbale City, will provide a full scholarship to one in every ten students recommended by the Iteso Cultural Union. Furthermore, all other new students from Teso who enroll through the cultural institution will benefit from a substantial 30% tuition discount.

His Highness the Emorimor underscored the significance of the partnership, stating it aligns perfectly with ICU’s 10-year strategic education program. This comprehensive plan seeks to curb school dropout rates, enhance academic competitiveness, and build a robust pool of skilled professionals for the Teso sub-region.

“Today, on behalf of the institution, we are privileged to have the leadership of Livingstone International University here,” His Highness Emorimor Emolot remarked. “This is a golden opportunity we cannot allow to slip away. Our focus is to ensure that every child goes to school and that no one drops out because of financial challenges.”

He highlighted the persistent challenges faced by Teso, including high dropout rates and the low competitiveness of graduates in the job market. The Emorimor revealed that ICU has been proactively working with clan leaders to monitor learners from primary level, personally following up on those who miss school to ascertain and address their difficulties.

Further demonstrating ICU’s commitment, His Highness Emorimor announced plans to launch the Emorimor Education Fund on October 22nd, coinciding with the kingdom’s 10th-anniversary celebrations. The fund aims to provide sustained support to disadvantaged learners throughout their academic journeys. He also urged LIU to maintain close communication with ICU regarding enrolled students, ensuring that the union can intervene and support those facing financial difficulties before they are compelled to withdraw.

Dr. Buregea Bin Rwakenda Henri, LIU Vice-Chancellor, pledged the university’s dedication beyond just offering scholarships. He committed to actively encouraging the people of Teso to pursue education as a foundational step for personal and community transformation.

“We will continue to lead this partnership so that whatever we do, the people of Teso are encouraged to go to school, improve their lives, and contribute to Uganda and beyond,” Dr. Henri stated. He emphasized that LIU’s Christian-based training will be instrumental in producing graduates with integrity, crucial in an era where, as he noted, society needs professionals who “talk the truth and do the right things” amidst rampant corruption.

ICU Prime Minister Andrew Ochole called upon the Iteso community to maximize the benefits of the scholarship program. “You come to the ICU Department of Education and she will be able to draft for you a recommendation letter,” he explained, emphasizing that the signing of the MOU marks the beginning of a long-term, impactful education partnership.
 

Livingstone International University, an accredited Christian university in Uganda, is committed to transforming Africa through quality Christ-centered higher education, making it an ideal partner for ICU’s ambitious educational goals.

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