ICT Club Launched at Nalusala Seed Secondary School to Advance Digital Skills in Sironko

SIRONKO DISTRICT, EASTERN UGANDA — Nalusala Seed Secondary School has officially launched its ICT Club in a strategic effort to empower learners with practical digital skills and innovation capacity. The launch and training took place on Monday, 18th February 2025, facilitated by Moses Wamanga under the Kisubi Associated Writers Agency (KAWA) through the national ICT Clubs programme supported by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund UCUSAF.

About Nalusala Seed Secondary School

Nalusala Seed Secondary School is located in Nalusala Village, Bumausi Parish, Buyobo Sub-county, Sironko District, within the Sebei/Bugisu sub-region of Eastern Uganda.

Sironko District lies along the slopes of Mount Elgon, approximately 280–300 kilometers northeast of Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. The nearest major town is Mbale City, which serves as the primary commercial and administrative hub for the wider region and supports surrounding districts such as Sironko.

The school serves a largely rural population and is increasingly integrating ICT to improve teaching, learning, and student innovation.

Purpose of the ICT Club Launch

The launch aimed to officially establish the ICT Club and introduce learners and school leadership to its objectives.

The initiative focuses on equipping students with practical ICT skills, innovation knowledge, and the ability to use technology to solve real-world problems within their communities.

Learners’ Expectations and Enthusiasm

Before the training, learners expressed strong interest in:

• Acquiring hands-on computer skills beyond classroom theory
• Learning how to maintain and protect ICT equipment
• Improving internet usage and digital literacy
• Exploring coding, innovation, and digital content creation

Many also highlighted the importance of teamwork, mentorship, and career preparation in the digital field.

Strengthening ICT Capacity and Responsibility

During the training, facilitators emphasized that the ICT Club will:

• Support ICT lab management and sustainability
• Promote student ownership of school ICT resources
• Provide advanced practical digital skills beyond the classroom

This approach ensures learners actively contribute to maintaining and utilizing ICT infrastructure.

Training Resources and Learning Support

KAWA delivered a range of training materials, including:

• PowerPoint presentations
• Practical demonstrations
• Case studies and interactive exercises

Learners were also introduced to the ICT Clubs online platform (www.ictclubs.ug) for continued learning, tutorials, and innovation resources.

Official Launch Message

The ICT Club was officially launched through a recorded message from UCC Executive Director, Mr. Nyombi Thembo, who emphasized:

• The importance of digital skills and innovation
• Responsible use of technology
• The role of learners in sustaining school ICT laboratories

The message reinforced the national importance of the programme and motivated students to actively participate.

Establishment of ICT Club Leadership

KAWA worked with the school administration led by Headteacher Mr. Monge Andrew, alongside ICT teachers including Mr. Muluwe Derick, to establish a structured ICT Club leadership system.

Students were guided on leadership roles, accountability, and effective club management, supported by a standard ICT Club constitution template.

Digital Skills Training Delivered

Learners received foundational training in:

• ICT lab management and sustainability
• Basic computer maintenance and troubleshooting
• Internet safety and cybersecurity awareness
• Introduction to coding, innovation, and Artificial Intelligence

The sessions focused on practical application, responsible technology use, and problem-solving skills.

Expected Impact of the ICT Club

The ICT Club is expected to:

• Promote sustainable ICT lab usage and maintenance
• Build strong student leadership and responsibility
• Enhance safe and ethical use of digital technologies
• Equip learners with practical skills in coding and innovation
• Provide mentorship opportunities through UCC and UCUSAF

Preparing Learners for NCC 2026

Students were informed about opportunities to participate in the National Conference on Communications (NCC) 2026, where they can showcase their ICT innovations.

This exposure is expected to inspire learners to develop projects, collaborate effectively, and engage in national-level innovation platforms.

Engagement with School Leadership

KAWA engaged the school administration and teachers to strengthen support for the ICT Club. Emphasis was placed on:

• Regular ICT Club meetings
• Continuous mentorship
• Institutional commitment to sustainability

Challenges Identified

Key challenges noted include:

• Unreliable power supply
• Limited ICT infrastructure
• Limited time allocation for club activities
• Varying levels of digital literacy among students

Addressing these challenges will be essential for long-term success.

Recommendations

To ensure sustainability and growth, the following were recommended:

• Allocate dedicated time for ICT Club activities
• Strengthen support from school administration and teachers
• Continue mentorship and follow-up training
• Improve ICT infrastructure and power reliability

Conclusion

The launch of the ICT Club at Nalusala Seed Secondary School marks a significant milestone in advancing digital education in Sironko District.

By equipping learners with practical ICT skills, promoting innovation, and fostering responsible technology use, the initiative is preparing students for future opportunities in the digital economy, including participation in NCC 2026.

KAWA expressed appreciation to UCC and UCUSAF for their continued support in expanding ICT Clubs across Uganda and empowering learners nationwide.