Mubende Comprehensive High School Launches ICT Club to Spark Digital Innovation among Students

In a truly transformative step towards digital empowerment, Mubende Comprehensive High School officially launched its ICT Club on June 4, 2025. This significant milestone event was facilitated through a strategic partnership between the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and the Kisubi Associated Writers’ Agency (KAWA). The launch, held at the school’s well-equipped ICT Lab, aimed to introduce learners to the foundational principles of digital literacy, foster problem-solving through technology, and underscore the critical importance of innovation within Uganda’s modern education system. The event was compiled by Christine Nambi and Mubangizi Godfrey, both trainers from KAWA Uganda.

The ICT Club launch saw excellent attendance, registering a total of 25 enthusiastic students. The participants represented various class levels, showing a broad interest across the secondary school spectrum: 11 students from Senior Four (S.4), 11 students from Senior Three (S.3), 2 students from Senior Two (S.2), and 1 student from Senior Six (S.6). There were no Senior One (S.1) students present at this initial launch. This distribution highlighted a strong interest from the upper classes, particularly S.3 and S.4, and presented a promising opportunity for peer-to-peer mentorship, as vividly demonstrated by the lone but committed Senior Six participant. Importantly, the event showcased a commendable balanced gender representation among the participants, reflecting an inclusive and equitable approach to digital education at the school.

Facilitators Christine Nambi and Mubangizi Godfrey expertly guided students through a rich and engaging training program. The curriculum primarily emphasized the vision and core purpose of ICT Clubs operating under the national UCC–KAWA program, providing a clear understanding of their role in national development. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to hands-on learning using various software tools and practical exercises in introductory app development, allowing students to directly apply theoretical concepts. Furthermore, students were introduced to KAWA CONNECT, an invaluable offline digital content library brimming with simulations, educational videos, eBooks, and engaging coding exercises. The learners responded with remarkable enthusiasm, actively participating, eagerly asking insightful questions, and expressing a strong, palpable desire to explore technology far beyond the confines of the classroom.

While the launch was undeniably successful in sparking interest and imparting initial skills, the facilitators noted a key challenge: the absence of Senior One students and limited participation from lower secondary levels. This raises a concern about the long-term continuity and sustainability of the club if younger students are not engaged early. Additionally, there was a clear recognition of the pressing need for more computer equipment, especially with the anticipated increase in student interest in digital activities. To address these areas for growth and ensure the club’s potential is fully realized, several recommendations were proposed. To broaden participation, efforts should be made to encourage active involvement from Senior One and Two students to ensure club sustainability. To promote student leadership, the school should appoint dedicated ICT Captains (especially from S.4) who can support coordination and effectively mentor younger members. Introducing project-based challenges, such as coding contests, app-building competitions, and basic hardware repairs, will keep students engaged and foster practical skills. It’s also crucial to enhance digital resources by expanding access to offline tools like KAWA CONNECT and introducing other essential software for consistent practice. Finally, scheduling monthly support and monitoring should be scheduled, with regular follow-up sessions from UCC and KAWA to nurture emerging talent and track overall progress.

The ICT Club launch at Mubende Comprehensive High School represents far more than just a training session; it is a vital gateway to digital transformation in the region. With 25 learners already committed and eager, the club is exceptionally well-positioned to nurture future innovators, coders, and digital leaders. Feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive: “We are happy to learn new ICT skills. We didn’t know it was this interesting and practical!” — Student participant. Furthermore, the school administrator is already responding to the enthusiasm, with a commitment from a school administrator stating, “We’re now planning to add more computers to meet this rising demand for technology training.” The Headteacher, Mr. Mubangizi Godfrey, can be contacted at 0781778895 for further information. With continued mentorship, sustained resource provision, and unwavering support from UCC and KAWA, this vibrant initiative promises to significantly bridge the digital divide and truly unlock student potential through technology. The future of Uganda’s digital generation starts right here at Mubende Comprehensive High School.