Kiyanga Vocational Secondary School ICT Club Launch – A New Dawn For Digital Education in Mitooma

On Monday, 9th June 2025, Kiyanga Vocational Secondary School in Mitooma District proudly launched its ICT Club in a memorable event organized by KAWA Uganda (Kisubi Associated Writers’ Agency) in partnership with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). The training and launch, which drew an impressive audience of 135 students and 5 teachers, was facilitated by Kyasima Freedom, a KAWA trainer dedicated to empowering schools with practical digital skills.

The event, despite facing power outages, was successful due to the facilitator’s resourcefulness in conducting demonstrations using a personal laptop. Students were introduced to MIT App Inventor, a platform that enables them to build mobile applications, and they showed remarkable enthusiasm by immediately practicing and exploring the concepts taught.

A Vision for ICT Growth at Kiyanga Vocational SS

The Headteacher, Indyabahika Emmanuel, expressed his commitment to making ICT a core pillar of the school’s educational strategy. He explained that the school is prepared to provide resources, motivate teachers, and establish partnerships to ensure the ICT Club’s sustainability. He highlighted that the ICT Club will serve as a platform for creativity, problem-solving, and preparing students for both academic and real-world challenges.

Ahumuza Prime Rose, the ICT Club Patron (Tel: 0784282622), echoed these sentiments, assuring students that she will guide the club in organizing regular workshops, coding sessions, and digital projects that can compete in regional and national ICT exhibitions.

Training Highlights

Introduction to Mobile App Development: Students explored MIT App Inventor and learned how to create simple, functional mobile apps.
Practical Challenges: The absence of power limited the depth of practical demonstrations, but students maximized the available time by engaging in guided exercises.
Hands-On Sessions: Students practiced creating apps, exploring the potential of coding to solve local challenges.

The Headteacher’s Role in ICT Club Success

Following UCC/UCUSAF policy, the headteacher serves as an advocate and champion for the ICT Club. His responsibilities include promoting the club, ensuring inclusivity, providing resources, and motivating both students and teachers to embrace ICT skills. He is also tasked with building external partnerships with IT professionals, companies, and alumni to mentor and inspire students.

The headteacher emphasized that recognizing student achievements, organizing regular club activities, and ensuring a supportive environment will be key to making the ICT Club a hub of innovation in Mitooma District.

Best Practices for Running the ICT Club

The session also included guidance on how to run the club effectively:

Set a Clear Vision and Goals: The club’s mission should align with student interests and local needs.
Regular Activities: Weekly or termly coding sessions, app development projects, and digital exhibitions should be planned to maintain momentum.
Leverage Online Tools: Platforms like Google Classroom, Discord, or Slack can be used for collaboration and project management.
Engage External Support: Partnering with professionals and industry experts can provide mentorship and inspire students to pursue technology-driven careers.

Special Appreciation

We extend our special thanks to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), under the leadership of Hon. George William Nyombi Thembo (Executive Director), James Beronda (UCUSAF Director), Arnold Bareba Mujuni (Head Technical Services), Carolyn Vunia (UCC Manager, ICT Clubs), and all the dedicated officers who have supported ICT Clubs across the country. Through grants, field support, ICT labs, internet connectivity, teacher training, annual ICT exhibitions, and competitions, UCC has raised the standard of education and accelerated the adoption of the competence-based curriculum.

In another special note, we thank Engineer Paul Rukundo, the Executive Director of KAWA Uganda, for his tireless efforts in supporting ICT Club initiatives, providing mentorship, and promoting digital education in rural and urban schools alike.

We also recognize the Ministry of Education and Sports, led by First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni, for its strategic role in advocating for ICT integration in schools and supporting programs that empower learners with 21st-century skills.

This Club is now set to become an innovation hub where students will learn practical digital skills and prepare for inter-school competitions. With the combined support of UCC, KAWA, and the Ministry of Education, the school is poised to transform ICT learning in Mitooma District.

“This is just the beginning,” said Kyasima Freedom, the facilitator. “The passion shown by these students proves that with the right tools and mentorship, rural schools can lead Uganda’s digital revolution.”