ICT Club Launched at Aromo Vocational Secondary School to Strengthen Digital Skills in Lira District

Lira District, Lango Sub-Region — March 4, 2026

Learners at Aromo Vocational Secondary School in Lira District have taken an important step toward digital empowerment following the successful launch and training of the school’s ICT Club. The initiative was implemented by Kisubi Associated Writers Agency (KAWA) under the national ICT Clubs programme supported by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) through the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF).

The ICT Club launch represents a significant milestone in expanding digital literacy, innovation, and technology-driven learning among students in the Lango Sub-region of Northern Uganda.

Location and Background of the School

Aromo Vocational Secondary School is located in Arwot Omito area within Lira District, in the Lango sub-region of Northern Uganda. The school lies approximately 340 kilometres north of Kampala, Uganda’s capital city, and about 20 kilometres from Lira City, the region’s main economic and administrative centre.

Serving learners from surrounding rural communities, the school plays a critical role in providing vocational and secondary education opportunities to young people in the area. With the introduction of the ICT Club, students now have a new platform to explore technology, innovation, and digital problem-solving skills that can support both education and community development.

Launch of the ICT Club

The official ICT Club launch and training was held on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, and was facilitated by Kyasima Freedom under the KAWA ICT Clubs programme.

The school is headed by Mr. Ogwang Isaac, while Mr. Elweu John Micheal serves as the ICT teacher and club patron, guiding learners in digital skills development and technology-based innovation activities.

A total of 79 learners participated in the training, reflecting strong interest among students in exploring technology and digital opportunities.

Students Express Interest in Digital Skills and Innovation

At the beginning of the training session, students were invited to share their expectations from the ICT Club. Many expressed excitement about gaining practical computer skills beyond the classroom, learning how to maintain ICT equipment, and improving their internet research and digital communication abilities.

Several learners also highlighted their interest in exploring coding, innovation, Artificial Intelligence, and digital creation, while others emphasized the value of teamwork, mentorship, and problem-solving skills that the club can provide.

These aspirations reflect a growing awareness among students of the importance of digital skills in the modern world and future career opportunities.

Building Student Ownership of School ICT Resources

One of the core objectives of the ICT Club programme is to empower learners to take an active role in maintaining and protecting school ICT infrastructure.

During the training, facilitators emphasized the importance of student ownership and responsibility in sustaining the school’s computer laboratory and digital equipment.

Through the club, learners will support the school in areas such as basic computer maintenance, responsible internet use, and promoting digital awareness among fellow students.

This approach ensures that ICT laboratories remain functional while simultaneously building practical technical skills among students.

Educational Resources and Learning Materials

To support the launch, KAWA provided interactive training sessions, PowerPoint presentations, practical demonstrations, and case studies designed to introduce learners to key digital concepts.

Students were also introduced to the ICT Clubs national learning platform — www.ictclubs.ug — which provides access to tutorials, innovation materials, coding resources, and digital learning tools.

The platform enables learners across Uganda to connect with innovation opportunities and continue learning beyond the classroom.

Message from the Uganda Communications Commission

The official launch of the ICT Club included a recorded message from Mr. Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission.

In his message, he encouraged learners to embrace digital technology responsibly and use innovation to solve real-world challenges within their communities.

He also reminded students that ICT Clubs are part of a nationwide programme supported by UCC and UCUSAF aimed at building Uganda’s future digital workforce.

Establishment of ICT Club Leadership

During the visit, the KAWA team worked closely with the school administration and ICT teachers to formally establish the ICT Club and guide learners in forming a student leadership structure.

Students were trained on the importance of leadership, teamwork, accountability, and effective management of club activities.

To guide the club’s operations, the school received a standard ICT Club constitution template, which will help structure leadership roles and ensure sustainable management of the club.

Additionally, the ICT Club Handbook was provided in digital format to support teachers and student leaders in managing innovation projects, club activities, and digital learning programmes.

Digital Skills Training Conducted

During the training session, learners received introductory exposure to several important digital skills areas, including:

• ICT laboratory management and sustainability
• Basic computer maintenance and troubleshooting
• Internet safety and cybersecurity awareness
• Introduction to coding and digital innovation
• Exposure to emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence

The sessions emphasized responsible use of technology, safe internet practices, and the use of ICT as a tool for creativity, learning, and community problem-solving.

Preparing Students for ANCC 2026

Students were also introduced to opportunities available through the Annual National Conference on Communications (ANCC) 2026, where ICT Clubs from across Uganda will present student-led innovation projects.

This announcement motivated learners to begin thinking about technology solutions that can address challenges in their communities, while strengthening teamwork and creativity within the club.

Engagement with School Leadership

Beyond student training, the KAWA team engaged with the headteacher, ICT patron, and teachers to strengthen institutional support for the ICT Club.

The discussions emphasized the importance of regular club meetings, mentorship from teachers, and integration of ICT innovation activities into the school environment.

Strong collaboration between teachers, school leadership, and students will be key in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the programme.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the launch marked a major milestone, several challenges were noted that could affect the growth of the ICT Club. These included limited ICT infrastructure, unreliable power supply, varying levels of digital literacy among learners, and limited time for club activities.

Addressing these challenges will be important in ensuring that the ICT Club grows into a fully functional centre for digital learning and innovation.

Strengthening Digital Education in Northern Uganda

KAWA expressed sincere appreciation to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and UCUSAF for their continued support in establishing ICT Clubs in schools across Uganda.

The launch of the ICT Club at Aromo Vocational Secondary School marks an important step in empowering young people with practical digital skills, innovation capabilities, and leadership in technology.

Through initiatives like these, students in rural communities are gaining opportunities to become future innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in Uganda’s digital economy.