Livingstone International University, a Christian university in Uganda, has had to put its expansion plans on hold due to recent budget cuts to foreign aid, specifically from USAID. The university, which has ties to North Texas, was planning to expand its facilities in Uganda but received a notice of suspension regarding the funding from the federal government.
The university, which opened its doors in 2012 and currently has around 340 enrolled students, provides higher education skills and religious instruction. A USAID grant was supposed to partially fund the expansion, covering about half the cost of the first two wings of a new building.
The Trump administration has been cutting USAID funding as part of efforts to reduce government spending and prioritize the “America First” agenda. President Trump has even called for the agency to be shut down due to allegations of fraud and corruption.
Despite the setback, the university’s co-chair, Craig Stone, remains hopeful that the federal government will review their case during the 90-day suspension and allow the funds to proceed. If not, the university is determined to find a way to move forward with the expansion project, believing that their work has a significant impact on students and their families in Uganda.
The university had previously been awarded a USAID grant for the expansion project during Trump’s first term, but construction was delayed due to COVID-19. The new wings of the building would provide additional classrooms and office space for the growing student population.
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