Apopong Seed Secondary School Learners Begin Their Innovation Journey Through ICT Club Launch
At Apopong Seed Secondary School in Pallisa District, the ICT Club launch was a call for learners to begin thinking like creators, problem-solvers, and responsible users of technology.
Held on Tuesday, 24th February 2026, the training 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.
The day brought together learners, school leaders, and ICT staff around one important message: technology becomes more powerful when students are guided to use it for learning, innovation, and community problem-solving.
A School Opens Space for Digital Growth
The school leadership, led by Headteacher Mr Musagal Godfrey Anthony, together with ICT Teacher Mr Kajaka Abraham, welcomed the ICT Clubs programme and engaged with the KAWA team on how the club can be supported at school level.
The visit was intended to officially launch the ICT Club, introduce learners and teachers to the purpose of the programme, and equip students with foundational ICT knowledge. It also helped learners understand that digital skills are no longer optional; they are essential for education, work, innovation, and future opportunities.
What Learners Wanted to Gain
Before the training began, learners shared their expectations. Many wanted to improve their computer skills and gain more practical exposure beyond classroom lessons. Others hoped to learn how to protect and maintain ICT equipment, use the internet better, explore coding, create digital content, and understand how innovation works.
Some learners also expressed interest in teamwork, mentorship, problem-solving, and preparation for future careers in the digital world. Their responses showed that the ICT Club can become a strong platform for building confidence and practical skills.
From Computer Use to Problem-Solving
The KAWA facilitator helped learners understand that an ICT Club is not just a group for students who use computers. It is a place where learners can practise leadership, responsibility, creativity, teamwork, and innovation.
Students were encouraged to take ownership of the school computer laboratory and support the proper use and sustainability of ICT resources. They were also challenged to look around their school and community, identify problems, and begin thinking about simple technology-based solutions.
Practical Skills Introduced
During the training, learners were introduced to several important digital skills and concepts. These included ICT laboratory management, basic computer maintenance, troubleshooting, internet safety, cybersecurity awareness, coding, innovation, and introductory ideas in Artificial Intelligence.
KAWA used PowerPoint presentations, practical demonstrations, case studies, and interactive exercises to make the session practical and engaging. Learners were also introduced to the ICT Clubs website, www.ictclubs.ug, where they can continue accessing tutorials, learning resources, and innovation materials after the launch.
A National Message for Young Digital Citizens
The official launch was supported by a recorded speech message from the Executive Director of UCC, Mr Nyombi Thembo. His message emphasised the importance of digital skills, responsible use of technology, innovation, and learner participation in sustaining school ICT laboratories.
This helped learners at Apopong Seed Secondary School appreciate that their club is part of a wider national effort to promote digital transformation in schools across Uganda.
Leadership Structures Put in Place
A strong ICT Club needs clear leadership. During the visit, KAWA worked with the school administration, ICT teacher, and learners to support the establishment of the club and its student leadership structure.
Learners were guided on how the club will operate, why accountability matters, and how teamwork can keep activities active throughout the year. A standard ICT Club constitution template was shared with the school to guide formal club operations.
The ICT Club Handbook was also provided to guide the patron, teachers, and student leaders in organising meetings, planning activities, supporting innovation projects, and promoting responsible technology use.
Looking Ahead to ICT Opportunities
Learners were informed about future participation in national ICT platforms such as the Annual National Conference on Communications, ANCC 2026. This encouraged them to take club activities seriously and begin developing practical project ideas that could represent their school in future innovation spaces.
The club is expected to help learners gain practical ICT skills, practise safe and ethical technology use, explore coding and digital creation, and participate in mentorship and innovation opportunities supported through the ICT Clubs programme.
Challenges to Watch
The visit also noted some likely challenges that may affect ICT Club activities. These include unreliable power supply, inadequate ICT infrastructure, limited time for club meetings, low digital literacy among some learners, and the need to sustain momentum after the launch.
These challenges highlight the need for consistent school support, teacher guidance, reliable infrastructure, and continued mentorship.
The Way Forward
Apopong Seed Secondary School is encouraged to allocate regular time for ICT Club activities, strengthen support from the administration and ICT teacher, and continue receiving mentorship and follow-up training from KAWA, UCC, and UCUSAF.
Improved ICT infrastructure and reliable power will help the club grow into a stronger centre for digital learning, creativity, and innovation.
The launch at Apopong Seed Secondary School marked the beginning of a new journey. It gave learners a platform to move from simply using technology to understanding it, protecting it, creating with it, and applying it to solve real problems.
With continued support, the ICT Club has the potential to become a strong space for learner leadership, digital confidence, responsible technology use, and future-ready innovation.
KAWA sincerely appreciates UCC and UCUSAF for their continued support towards the establishment and training of ICT Clubs in schools across Uganda.
