Lira, Uganda | Lango students seeking higher education are set to benefit from a new scholarship programme following a partnership between Livingstone International University in Mbale and the office of the Lango Paramount Chief, Moses Michael Odongo Okune.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Wednesday at the Lango Cultural Centre between officials from the university and education leaders under the Lango Cultural Institution.
Under the arrangement, students from the Lango subregion who enroll at the university will receive a 50% tuition scholarship.
The Vice-Chancellor of Livingstone International University, Dr. Buregea Bin Rwakenda Henri, who led the university delegation, said the institution chose to partner with the Lango Cultural Institution because the region still needs greater access to higher education opportunities.
Rwakenda noted that the university is committed to producing competent graduates who can effectively serve their communities and compete in the job market.
The Minister of Education and Sports under Tekwaro A’Lango, George Ojwang Opota, welcomed the partnership, saying it demonstrates the growing commitment of learning institutions to support students from Lango through scholarships.
He urged parents and students to take advantage of the opportunity to pursue certificate, diploma, and degree programmes.
Ojwang also called upon leaders at different levels, including cultural and political leaders, to sensitise communities so that students can fully utilise the opportunities available through the cultural institution.
Meanwhile, the chairperson of the Lango community in the Elgon region, Dr. Okori Patrick Charles, who coordinated the engagement between the cultural institution and the university, said the initiative marks the beginning of broader collaboration.
He explained that beyond education, there are plans to link the Lango community with various non-governmental organisations that can support programmes in health, agriculture, and other development sectors aimed at improving livelihoods in the subregion.