A New Digital Chapter Begins at Francis Ayume Memorial Secondary School

In Koboko District, a new door has opened for learners at Francis Ayume Memorial Secondary School. On Friday, 27th February 2026, the school welcomed the official launch and training of its ICT Club, marking an important moment in its journey towards practical digital learning and innovation.

The session was facilitated by Noah Okwalinga on behalf of Kisubi Associated Writers Agency (KAWA), under the ICT Clubs programme supported by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and UCUSAF.

For the learners, the launch was not just about forming a new club. It was about discovering that technology can be used to create, solve problems, protect school resources, and prepare for future opportunities.

Learners Step Into a Bigger Digital Space

At the start of the session, students were invited to share what they hoped to gain from the ICT Club. Their responses showed curiosity, ambition, and readiness to learn. Some wanted to improve their computer skills. Others were interested in coding, digital creation, internet use, innovation, teamwork, and mentorship.

Many learners also hoped that the club would help them prepare for future careers in the digital world. This showed that the students were not only thinking about today’s training, but also about how ICT can shape their tomorrow.

Beyond Computer Lessons

The KAWA team helped learners understand that an ICT Club is different from an ordinary computer lesson. It is a space where students learn by doing. It allows them to practise leadership, develop responsibility, work in teams, and use technology to respond to real challenges in their school and community.

Learners were encouraged to take care of ICT equipment, support the sustainability of the computer laboratory, and become active participants in building a stronger digital learning culture at the school.

Tools, Ideas and Practical Skills

During the training, KAWA used presentations, demonstrations, case studies, and interactive exercises to introduce learners to key areas of digital learning. The students were exposed to ICT lab management, basic computer maintenance, troubleshooting, internet safety, cybersecurity awareness, coding, innovation, and introductory ideas in Artificial Intelligence.

The learners were also introduced to the ICT Clubs website, www.ictclubs.ug, where they can access tutorials, innovation resources, and learning materials to continue growing beyond the launch session.

A National Message for Young Innovators

The official launch was supported by a recorded message from the Executive Director of UCC, Mr Nyombi Thembo. His message reminded learners that digital skills are now essential for education, work, innovation, and national development.

Through this message, students at Francis Ayume Memorial SS were helped to see themselves as part of a wider national movement of young people being prepared to use technology responsibly and creatively.

Building the Club from the Ground Up

KAWA worked with the school leadership, ICT teacher Mr Ronald Wafumbo, and learners to support the establishment of the ICT Club. Student leadership structures were formed to guide club activities and mobilise fellow learners.

A standard ICT Club constitution template was shared with the school to support proper organisation. The ICT Club Handbook was also provided to guide the patron, teachers, and student leaders in planning activities, managing responsibilities, and promoting innovation throughout the year.

Preparing for Future Opportunities

Learners were informed about future participation in platforms such as ANCC 2026. This encouraged them to begin thinking about practical ICT projects that can represent their school in innovation spaces beyond the classroom.

The club is expected to help students build practical ICT skills, practise safe and ethical technology use, develop digital content, explore coding, and work together on solutions that respond to school and community needs.

Challenges That Need Attention

The visit also noted some challenges that may affect the growth of the club. These include 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.

These challenges show the importance of continued support, mentorship, and investment in school ICT systems.

The Way Forward

For the ICT Club to grow, Francis Ayume Memorial Secondary School is encouraged to allocate regular time for club meetings, support the ICT patron and student leaders, improve access to ICT resources, and continue working with KAWA, UCC, and UCUSAF for mentorship and follow-up training.

With consistent support, the club can become a strong platform for digital skills, learner leadership, responsible technology use, and innovation.

The launch at Francis Ayume Memorial SS marked the beginning of a new digital chapter. It gave learners a chance to see technology not only as something they use, but as something they can create with, protect, improve, and use to serve their community.

KAWA sincerely appreciates UCC and UCUSAF for their continued support towards the establishment and training of ICT Clubs in schools across Uganda.