Butogota Trinity College ICT Club Launch

On 12th June 2025, Butogota Trinity College in Kanungu District made a remarkable step toward the digital future with the official launch of its ICT Club. The event was organized by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) in collaboration with KAWA Uganda (Kisubi Associated Writers’ Agency) as part of the national campaign to promote digital literacy, creativity, and problem-solving skills among secondary school students.

The training and launch session were led by Okwalinga Noah, a KAWA Uganda facilitator, and supported by the ICT Club Patron, Rukundakwe Doreen (Tel: 0786078740), with oversight from the Headteacher, Muhwezi Wence (Tel: 0782937458). The session brought together 35 students from Senior One to Senior Six, all of whom actively engaged in practical exercises designed to build their confidence in digital skills.

Overview of the Launch

During the launch, students were introduced to the purpose and objectives of the ICT Club, which include fostering a culture of digital innovation, teamwork, and responsible use of ICT tools. Learners were also oriented on KAWA CONNECT, an offline e-learning system that provides:

• Interactive simulations.
• Educational videos.
• Digital textbooks.
• Skill-based activity modules and more.

Hands-on sessions featured demonstrations on:

• Setting up and using Visual Studio Code (VS Code) for coding.
• Developing basic mobile applications using MIT App Inventor.
• Exploring Scratch programming as a foundation for coding logic and creativity.

Challenges and Recommendations

The major challenge noted during the training was electricity interruptions, which disrupted the smooth flow of some activities. To overcome such challenges, it was recommended that the school invest in:

• Backup power solutions like solar systems or UPS devices.
• Additional laptops, routers, and projectors to enhance hands-on training.
• Continuous mentorship programs led by UCC and KAWA Uganda to maintain momentum.

The Role of ICT Equipment Maintenance

A critical discussion during the session was on ICT lab maintenance, as many ICT laboratories in Ugandan schools struggle due to poor technical upkeep. UCC has provided over 1,500 secondary schools with ICT equipment, but sustainability remains a challenge.

Why ICT Club Members Should Participate in Maintenance:

1. Increased Manpower: Students offer extra hands to care for the equipment, especially in schools with no dedicated technicians.
2. Hands-On Skills: Maintenance activities equip students with real-world troubleshooting and repair experience.
3. Responsibility and Ownership: Students develop accountability and pride in the ICT resources they use.
4. Cost Savings: Involving students helps reduce frequent repair expenses, allowing funds to be used in other areas.
5. Improved Efficiency: Regular checks prevent downtime by detecting and solving small issues early.
6. Curriculum Connection: O-Level computer studies include maintenance topics, making this hands-on approach an extension of classroom learning.
7. Teamwork and Confidence: Students working together on lab management build collaboration and leadership skills.

Feedback from Participants

Students expressed deep gratitude to UCC and KAWA for upgrading the state of ICT at their school. They described the training as “eye-opening, practical, and inspiring”, noting that they were excited to start creating apps and exploring coding in greater detail.

The Headteacher, Muhwezi Wence, emphasized that the ICT Club will become a pillar of learning and innovation at Butogota Trinity College. He reaffirmed the school’s commitment to provide space, time, and administrative support to ensure the club grows into a vibrant platform for learning.

Special Acknowledgements

We extend heartfelt appreciation to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), led by Hon. George William Nyombi Thembo (Executive Director), James Beronda (UCUSAF Director), Arnold Bareba Mujuni (Head of Technical Services), Carolyn Vunia (Manager, ICT Clubs), and other UCC officers for their consistent efforts in promoting ICT in schools. Through grants, teacher training, internet support, annual ICT competitions, and exhibitions, UCC has significantly improved the quality of digital education across Uganda.

Special thanks also go to Engineer Paul Rukundo, Executive Director of KAWA Uganda, for his vision and relentless dedication to building ICT clubs across the country.

We equally recognize the Ministry of Education and Sports, under the leadership of First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni, for championing ICT integration in schools and fostering the competence-based curriculum that encourages practical learning.

This ICT Club has officially been launched and will operate as a hub for weekly coding clinics, app development projects, and digital literacy sessions. With UCC and KAWA’s continued mentorship, the students are expected to excel in both local and national ICT competitions while using their skills to create solutions for real-world challenges.