LivingStone International University (LIU) is a private university in Uganda located near Mbale town, currently based in Budaka District. Established in 2012, LIU is a non-denominational Christian institution founded with the mission of “Building the Nations of Africa.” It was initiated by missionaries linked to the Churches of Christ and Christian Churches in the United States to provide higher education in underserved regions of East Africa.
Location and Campus
LIU initially opened on a leased campus in Mbale town in January 2012. In the following years, the university developed a permanent 50-acre campus in Nasenyi, Kamonkoli, Budaka District, strategically located along the main road to Kampala.
The new campus, approved by the Uganda National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), is designed to accommodate up to 4,000 students. Construction has been carried out in phases, with Phase 1A completed by 2019, and Phase 1B, including a multi-million-dollar administration building, planned for the coming years.
History and Development
Plans for the university began in 2006, with the Strategic Plan (2009–2014) submitted to NCHE in 2007. LIU received a Letter of Interim Authority in December 2008, allowing it to begin preparations, and a Provisional License in March 2011.
On January 16, 2012, the university admitted its first class of 34 students, which grew to over 50 by September the same year. By 2018, LIU’s enrollment had increased to nearly 300 students, and more than $5 million had been invested in infrastructure, scholarships, and program development.
Since its first graduation in 2015, LIU has produced six graduating classes. The university emphasizes equal opportunities for both male and female students and admits both Ugandan and international learners.
Academics
LIU offers bachelor’s, diploma, and certificate programs across five academic schools:
- School of Business – offering degrees in management, entrepreneurship, and commerce.
- School of Christian Ministry – training future leaders in theology and ministry.
- School of Education – focused on teacher training and educational leadership.
- School of Computing and Information Technology – providing degrees and diplomas in computer science, IT, and related fields.
- School of Media Technology – offering programs in journalism, film, and digital media production.
In addition, LIU provides:
- Certificate in Networking and Security (Cisco CCNA) – six to nine months.
- English as a Second Language (ESL) – six-month program for international students.
- Short professional courses in IT, media, and leadership.
Innovation and Technology
LivingStone International University integrates modern technology into learning. Each student is issued an electronic tablet or laptop to access digital textbooks, assignments, and learning resources. The computer-to-student ratio is 1:5, ensuring effective use of digital tools.
Students in Media Technology gain hands-on training in video and audio production using a fully equipped studio, while IT students receive practical exposure in networking, programming, and systems management.
Conclusion
LivingStone International University (LIU) is one of Uganda’s emerging private universities, blending Christian values, modern technology, and practical training to build skilled graduates. From its modest beginnings in Mbale to its growing Budaka campus, LIU continues to expand academic programs, infrastructure, and student capacity, making it a vital player in Uganda’s higher education sector.
