Aputi SS ICT Club Launch Turns Digital Challenges into a Call for Innovation
Aputi Secondary School in Amolatar District has taken an important step towards strengthening digital learning, learner innovation, and responsible use of technology through the launch and training of its ICT Club.
The activity took place on 24th February 2025 and was facilitated by Kyasima Freedom on behalf of Kisubi Associated Writers Agency (KAWA). It was conducted under the ICT Clubs programme supported by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and UCUSAF.
The visit aimed at officially launching the school ICT Club, introducing learners and school leaders to the objectives of the programme, and equipping students with foundational digital knowledge and practical ICT skills. It also encouraged learners to begin seeing technology as a tool for solving real school and community problems.
The school leadership, led by Headteacher Mr Awira Moses, together with ICT Teacher Mr Oyuru Ronald, welcomed the programme and engaged with the KAWA team on how the ICT Club can support practical digital learning at the school.
Before the training began, learners shared their expectations from the ICT Club. Many hoped to gain practical computer skills beyond the classroom. Others wanted to learn how to maintain and protect ICT equipment, improve their internet use, explore coding, develop digital content, and understand innovation. Some learners also expressed interest in teamwork, mentorship, problem-solving, and preparation for future careers in the digital world.
During the session, learners were guided to understand that an ICT Club is not simply a group for computer practice. It is a platform for leadership, responsibility, creativity, teamwork, and innovation. Students were encouraged to take ownership of the school ICT resources and to support the proper use, care, and sustainability of the computer laboratory.
KAWA provided learning materials to support the launch and training. These included PowerPoint presentations, practical demonstrations, case studies, and interactive exercises. Learners were also introduced to the ICT Clubs website, www.ictclubs.ug, as a platform where they can access tutorials, innovation resources, and learning materials for continued digital growth.
The official launch was conducted through a recorded speech message from the Executive Director of UCC, Mr Nyombi Thembo. His message emphasised the importance of digital skills, responsible technology use, innovation, and the role of learners in sustaining school ICT laboratories. This helped learners appreciate that their school is part of a wider national effort to promote ICT use and digital transformation in education.
KAWA worked with the school administration, ICT teacher, and club patron to establish the ICT Club and support the formation of student leadership structures. Learners were guided on how the club will operate, why leadership is important, and how accountability can help sustain ICT Club activities. A standard ICT Club constitution template was also shared with the school to guide formal club operations.
The ICT Club Handbook was provided to support the school in managing the club throughout the year. The handbook will guide the patron, teachers, and student leaders in areas such as club leadership, learner participation, innovation activities, digital skills development, and responsible use of technology.
The digital skills training introduced learners to ICT laboratory management and sustainability, basic computer maintenance, troubleshooting, internet safety, cybersecurity awareness, coding, innovation, and Artificial Intelligence. The training encouraged students to use technology safely, handle equipment responsibly, and begin applying ICT knowledge to practical problem-solving.
The visit also highlighted key challenges affecting ICT use at the school. These included unreliable power supply, inadequate ICT infrastructure, limited time for club activities, low digital literacy among some learners, and difficulty accessing the network from the staff room. The school also noted that the ICT teacher is not yet on payroll, which presents a staffing challenge for sustained ICT support.
Another concern raised was that some keyboards on the laptops provided by NITA-U were not working. This affects learners’ ability to practise effectively and limits the full use of available equipment. The school administration also requested the relocation of the solar battery and the internet access point from their location at the time of training to a more suitable place connected to the computer laboratory.
These challenges show that successful ICT Club implementation requires more than enthusiasm. It also needs reliable power, functional equipment, strong connectivity, trained teachers, and proper placement of ICT infrastructure. Addressing these issues will help the school make better use of the ICT Club and support learners more effectively.
Learners were also informed about preparation for ANCC 2026. This encouraged them to take ICT Club activities seriously, strengthen teamwork, and begin developing practical projects and innovations that could represent their school in future technology platforms.
The expected outcomes of the Aputi SS ICT Club include improved practical ICT skills, stronger learner ownership of school ICT resources, safe and ethical use of technology, increased interest in coding and innovation, and better preparation for digital opportunities. The club is also expected to support mentorship, digital creation, problem-solving, and learner participation in future ICT competitions.
KAWA encouraged the school to allocate regular time for ICT Club activities, strengthen support from the administration and patron, and continue receiving mentorship and follow-up training. The school is also encouraged to improve ICT infrastructure, restore full functionality of equipment, strengthen connectivity, and ensure reliable power for the computer laboratory.
The launch at Aputi Secondary School marked an important step in building learner capacity and promoting responsible technology use. It also brought attention to the practical support schools need in order to make ICT Clubs active, useful, and sustainable.
With continued support from the school, KAWA, UCC, and UCUSAF, the ICT Club at Aputi SS can grow into a strong platform for digital learning, creativity, innovation, and future-ready skills.
KAWA sincerely appreciates UCC and UCUSAF for their continued support towards the establishment and training of ICT Clubs in schools across Uganda.
