Bulucheke Secondary School Students Inspired to Turn ICT Skills into Innovation
At Bulucheke Secondary School in Bududa District, the ICT Club launch was not just another school activity. It was a practical introduction to a future where learners can use technology to manage resources, solve problems, create digital projects, and prepare for national innovation opportunities.
The in-school ICT Club launch and training was conducted on 8th March 2025 by KAWA Uganda under the ICT Clubs programme supported by the Uganda Communications Commission and UCUSAF. The session was facilitated by Moses Wamanga, Paul Mboya, and Peter Tusiime, with support from the school leadership and ICT department.
The purpose of the visit was to officially establish the ICT Club, orient learners and school leaders on the programme objectives, and equip students with foundational digital knowledge and practical ICT skills.
Before the training began, learners shared what they hoped to gain from the club. Many expressed interest in improving their computer skills, learning how to maintain and protect ICT equipment, using the internet more responsibly, exploring coding, and developing digital projects. Others looked forward to mentorship, teamwork, problem-solving, and preparation for future careers in the digital world.
The facilitators explained that the ICT Club is meant to help learners take ownership of the school computer laboratory. Students were encouraged to become active custodians of ICT resources by supporting proper use, maintenance, reporting of faults, and responsible handling of equipment.
KAWA provided learning materials to support the session, including PowerPoint presentations, practical demonstrations, case studies, and interactive exercises. Learners were also introduced to the ICT Clubs website, www.ictclubs.ug, where they can access tutorials, resources, and innovation materials for continued learning.
The official launch was supported by the recorded message of the Executive Director of UCC, Mr. Nyombi Thembo. His message highlighted the importance of digital skills, responsible use of technology, innovation, and the role of learners in sustaining school ICT laboratories.
KAWA worked with the school administration, ICT teachers, and the club patron to guide the establishment of the club and its leadership structure. Learners were sensitised about the importance of leadership, accountability, teamwork, and clear roles in keeping the ICT Club active and sustainable.
The ICT Club Handbook was also shared with the school. This handbook will guide club operations, leadership, learner participation, innovation activities, and digital skills development throughout the year.
During the training, learners were introduced to ICT lab management and sustainability, basic computer maintenance and troubleshooting, internet safety, cybersecurity awareness, beginner coding, innovation, and introductory Artificial Intelligence. These areas helped learners understand that ICT is not only about using computers, but also about protecting digital resources and creating useful solutions.
The training also prepared learners for future participation in the Annual National Conference on Communications competitions in 2026. Students were encouraged to take club activities seriously, strengthen teamwork, and begin developing practical innovations that can represent the school in future competitions.
KAWA also engaged the school leadership, including Mr. Mukhwana Edward and ICT Teacher Mr. Watyekele John, to strengthen school-level support for the programme. The discussions focused on regular club activities, teacher guidance, and institutional ownership of the ICT Club.
Some likely challenges were noted, including unreliable power supply, inadequate ICT infrastructure, limited time for club activities, low digital literacy among some learners, and the need to sustain momentum after the launch.
The report recommended that the school allocates regular time for ICT Club meetings, strengthens support from the administration and patron, and continues receiving mentorship and follow-up training. Improved ICT infrastructure and reliable power will also help the club grow into a sustainable centre for digital learning and innovation.
The launch at Bulucheke Secondary School marked an important step in building learner confidence, promoting responsible use of technology, strengthening ICT lab sustainability, and preparing students for future opportunities in the digital world.
KAWA Uganda appreciates UCC and UCUSAF for their continued support towards establishing and training ICT Clubs in schools across Uganda.
