ICT Club Launched at Fr. Aloysius Secondary School Bala to Advance Digital Skills in Kole District
Kole District, Lango Sub-Region — March 4, 2026
Students at Fr. Aloysius Secondary School Bala in Kole District have officially joined Uganda’s growing network of young digital innovators following the successful launch and training of the school’s ICT Club. The initiative was facilitated by KAWA CONNECT (Kisubi Associated Writers Agency) in collaboration with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) through the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF).
The programme is part of a nationwide effort aimed at equipping learners with practical digital skills, innovation capacity, and responsible technology use, preparing students to actively participate in the digital economy and future careers in technology.
A Strategic Learning Centre in Kole District
Fr. Aloysius Secondary School Bala is located in Eastern Ward within Bala Town Council in Kole District, part of the Lango Sub-Region of Northern Uganda. The school is situated approximately 310 kilometres north of Kampala, Uganda’s capital city, and about 20 kilometres from Kole Town, the district’s administrative headquarters.
Serving learners from Bala Town Council and surrounding communities, the school plays an important role in providing quality secondary education and leadership development in the region. The introduction of the ICT Club now creates a platform for students to explore technology, innovation, and digital problem-solving skills that extend beyond traditional classroom learning.
The ICT Club launch and training session was facilitated by Kyasima Freedom, working closely with the school leadership headed by Mr. Okunu Moris, the headteacher. The ICT Club activities at the school are coordinated by Mr. Ogwal Benson, the ICT teacher and club patron.
A total of 67 learners participated in the training and orientation session, showing strong interest in digital learning and innovation opportunities.
Students Eager to Develop Digital Skills
Before the training activities began, learners were invited to share their expectations about joining the ICT Club.
Many students expressed interest in gaining practical computer skills beyond the classroom, learning how to maintain ICT equipment, and improving their internet research abilities. Others showed enthusiasm for learning coding, digital design, and technology innovation.
Several learners also hoped that participation in the ICT Club would help them develop teamwork, creativity, and leadership skills, which are essential for careers in the rapidly evolving digital world.
Promoting Innovation and Digital Responsibility
During the orientation session, facilitators explained that ICT Clubs aim to empower learners to become creative thinkers and responsible users of technology.
Students were encouraged to view ICT not only as a communication tool but also as a powerful resource for solving community challenges, developing new ideas, and creating digital solutions that improve everyday life.
The club will also encourage students to take an active role in maintaining and protecting ICT resources within the school, strengthening student ownership and responsibility.
Training in Practical ICT Skills
The launch event included interactive digital skills training sessions covering several important areas, including:
- ICT laboratory management and sustainability
- Basic computer maintenance and troubleshooting
- Internet safety and cybersecurity awareness
- Introduction to coding and digital innovation
- Responsible use of digital tools and technology
Through these activities, learners gained an understanding of how digital skills can be applied in real-world contexts such as education, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and community development.
Students were also introduced to the national ICT Clubs learning platform www.ictclubs.ug, which provides tutorials, innovation resources, and digital learning materials to support continuous learning.
Official Launch of the ICT Club
The official launch of the ICT Club was conducted through a recorded message from Mr. Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission.
In his message, he emphasized the importance of digital literacy and innovation among young people, encouraging learners to embrace technology responsibly and develop solutions that address real challenges within their communities.
The message also highlighted that ICT Clubs are part of a national programme supported by UCC and UCUSAF aimed at nurturing the next generation of Ugandan technology innovators.
Establishing ICT Club Leadership
During the visit, KAWA CONNECT worked closely with the school administration and teachers to establish the ICT Club and guide learners in forming a student leadership structure.
Student leaders were selected to coordinate club activities, promote participation, and ensure sustainability of the initiative. Learners were trained on the importance of teamwork, accountability, and organised leadership in running a successful ICT Club.
The school also received the ICT Club Handbook and a standard ICT Club constitution template to guide the organisation and management of club activities.
Preparing Students for National ICT Innovation Platforms
Students were informed about opportunities to participate in national ICT innovation platforms such as the Annual National Conference on Communications (NCC) 2026.
This encouraged learners to begin thinking creatively about technology-based projects and solutions that can address challenges within their communities, while strengthening collaboration and innovation within the club.
Engagement with School Leadership
Beyond student training, the KAWA CONNECT team engaged with the headteacher, ICT Club patron, and teachers to strengthen school-level support for the programme.
The discussions emphasized the importance of regular ICT Club meetings, teacher mentorship, and strong administrative support to ensure the sustainability of the initiative.
Key Challenge: Non-Functional Internet Connectivity
During the visit, one major challenge affecting ICT learning at the school was identified.
Although the school previously had internet service, the connection is currently not functioning, limiting the ability of students and teachers to access online educational resources and digital learning platforms.
Without reliable internet connectivity, learners face challenges in conducting online research, coding practice, digital collaboration, and participation in innovation platforms.
Recommendations for Strengthening Digital Learning
To improve ICT learning opportunities at the school, several recommendations were made.
The school was encouraged to prioritise restoring reliable internet connectivity, which will enable students and teachers to fully utilise digital resources for learning and innovation.
Once connectivity is restored, learners should be encouraged to use the internet responsibly for research, coding practice, innovation projects, and participation in national ICT programmes.
Continued mentorship and technical support from KAWA CONNECT and the Uganda Communications Commission will also help strengthen ICT Club activities and support students in developing meaningful technology projects.
A Promising Future for Young Innovators
The launch of the ICT Club at Fr. Aloysius Secondary School Bala marks an important milestone in strengthening digital education and innovation in Kole District.
The enthusiasm demonstrated by students and teachers highlights the strong potential of the ICT Club to grow into a hub for digital learning, creativity, and innovation.
With continued support from KAWA CONNECT and the Uganda Communications Commission, the initiative is expected to nurture young innovators and future technology leaders in the Lango Sub-Region.
