ICT Club Launched at Aputi Secondary School to Promote Digital Skills and Innovation in Amolatar District
Amolatar District, Lango Sub-Region — March 2, 2026
Students at Aputi Secondary School in Amolatar District have taken an important step toward digital empowerment following the successful launch and training of the school’s ICT Club. The activity was facilitated by KAWA CONNECT (Kisubi Associated Writers Agency) in partnership with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) through the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF) programme.
The initiative forms part of a national effort aimed at strengthening digital literacy, innovation, and technology-driven problem solving among learners in secondary schools across Uganda.
A Growing Digital Learning Hub in Amolatar District
Aputi Secondary School is located in Amolatar Town in Amolatar District, within the Lango Sub-Region of Northern Uganda. The school is situated approximately 370 kilometres north of Kampala, Uganda’s capital city, and about 5 kilometres from Amolatar Town Centre, the district’s main administrative and commercial hub.
The school serves learners from surrounding communities near the Lake Kyoga basin, providing access to secondary education in a largely rural environment. The establishment of the ICT Club is expected to significantly enhance students’ exposure to technology, digital learning, and innovation opportunities.
The training and launch were facilitated by Kyasima Freedom, working closely with the school administration led by Mr. Awira Moses, the headteacher. The ICT Club activities at the school are coordinated by Mr. Oyuru Ronald, the ICT teacher and club patron.
A total of 44 learners participated in the training session, demonstrating strong interest in developing digital skills and exploring technology-driven innovation.
Students Show Enthusiasm for Technology Learning
At the beginning of the training, learners were invited to share their expectations about joining the ICT Club.
Many students expressed interest in gaining practical computer skills beyond normal classroom lessons, learning how to maintain ICT equipment, and improving their internet research abilities. Others were eager to explore coding, digital creativity, and technology innovation.
Several learners also hoped that the ICT Club would help them develop teamwork, leadership skills, and creative thinking, which are essential competencies in the modern digital world.
Building Responsible Digital Citizens
During the orientation session, facilitators emphasized that ICT Clubs aim to nurture responsible, innovative, and digitally skilled learners.
Students were encouraged to see technology not only as a communication tool but also as a powerful resource for solving community challenges and developing innovative ideas that improve everyday life.
Club members will also play an important role in supporting the maintenance and responsible use of ICT equipment within the school, helping ensure the sustainability of the school’s digital infrastructure.
Practical Digital Skills Training
The training session included interactive lessons and demonstrations covering several key areas of digital learning, 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 sessions, learners gained insights into how digital skills can be applied in fields such as education, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and community development.
Students were also introduced to the ICT Clubs national 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 included a recorded message from Mr. Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission.
In his message, he encouraged learners to embrace technology responsibly and to use digital skills to develop solutions that address real challenges within their communities.
The message also highlighted that ICT Clubs are part of a nationwide programme supported by UCC and UCUSAF aimed at nurturing Uganda’s next generation of technology innovators.
Establishing ICT Club Leadership
During the visit, KAWA CONNECT worked closely with the school administration and teachers to formally establish the ICT Club and guide learners in forming a student leadership structure.
Student leaders were selected to coordinate activities, encourage participation, and ensure the sustainability of the club. Learners were trained on the importance of teamwork, accountability, and organised leadership in running a successful ICT Club.
To support effective management of the club, the school also received the ICT Club Handbook and a standard ICT Club constitution template.
Preparing Students for NCC 2026
Learners were informed that ICT Club members across Uganda are being prepared to participate in the National Conference on Communications (NCC) 2026, where students will showcase innovative technology projects developed within their schools.
This announcement motivated learners to begin thinking creatively about technology-based solutions that can address challenges in their communities, while strengthening collaboration and innovation within the ICT Club.
Engagement with School Leadership
In addition to student training, the KAWA CONNECT team engaged with the headteacher, ICT Club patron, and teachers to strengthen institutional support for the programme.
The discussions emphasized the need for regular ICT Club meetings, strong mentorship from teachers, and active involvement of the school administration to ensure the sustainability of the initiative.
Challenges Identified During the Visit
Despite the success of the launch, several challenges affecting ICT learning at the school were identified.
These included unreliable power supply, limited ICT infrastructure, limited time for club activities, and varying levels of digital literacy among learners.
Additional challenges included faulty keyboards on some NITA-U laptops, lack of internet access in the staffroom, and the need to relocate the solar battery and internet access point closer to the ICT laboratory to improve accessibility.
Another concern raised by the administration was that the ICT teacher is currently not on the government payroll, which could affect long-term sustainability of ICT instruction and club activities.
Recommendations for Strengthening ICT Learning
To support the sustainability of the ICT Club, the school was encouraged to allocate regular time for ICT Club meetings and innovation activities.
Improving ICT infrastructure, repairing faulty equipment, and strengthening administrative support will help the school develop a fully functional centre for digital learning and innovation.
Continued mentorship and follow-up training from KAWA CONNECT and the Uganda Communications Commission will also help learners strengthen their digital skills and develop innovative ICT projects.
A New Chapter for Digital Learning
The launch of the ICT Club at Aputi Secondary School marks an important step toward building a culture of digital learning, innovation, and creativity among students in Amolatar District.
With strong enthusiasm from learners and support from school leadership, the ICT Club is expected to grow into a dynamic platform for nurturing young innovators and technology leaders in the Lango Sub-Region.
KAWA CONNECT expressed sincere appreciation to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and UCUSAF for their continued support in expanding digital learning opportunities across schools in Uganda.
