Bukhalu Seed Secondary School Builds ICT Club Momentum Through Strong School Participation

The launch of the ICT Club at Bukhalu Seed Secondary School in Bulambuli District stood out as a moment of shared commitment between learners, teachers, school leadership, KAWA, UCC, and UCUSAF.

Held on 19th February 2025, the activity was facilitated by Moses Wamanga on behalf of Kisubi Associated Writers Agency (KAWA), under the ICT Clubs programme supported by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and UCUSAF.

Unlike an ordinary training session, the launch at Bukhalu Seed Secondary School brought out an important lesson: an ICT Club becomes stronger when it is not left to learners alone, but supported by the entire school community.

A School Team Ready to Support Digital Learning

The school leadership, led by Headteacher Mr Kirya Denis, together with ICT Teacher Ms Muyama Sylvia, welcomed the ICT Clubs programme and engaged with the KAWA team on how the club can be organised and sustained.

The presence of several teachers during the training showed strong institutional interest in the programme. Teachers who participated included Mazunze Michael, Wegulo Ciprian, Wekomba Phoris, Kwaga Irene-L, Kikiya Dennis, and Nambozo Stella. Their involvement gave the launch a stronger foundation because ICT Clubs need teacher guidance, encouragement, and follow-up to remain active after the launch day.

Learners Came Prepared to Learn More

Before the training began, learners were invited to share their expectations. Many wanted to gain practical computer skills beyond what they normally learn in class. Others hoped to understand how to maintain and protect ICT equipment, use the internet more effectively, explore coding, create digital content, and learn about innovation.

Some learners also expressed interest in teamwork, mentorship, problem-solving, and future careers in the digital world. Their responses showed curiosity and readiness to use the ICT Club as a space for practical growth.

The Club as a Centre of Responsibility

During the orientation, learners were guided to understand that the ICT Club is not just for computer practice. It is a space where students can learn responsibility, leadership, teamwork, creativity, and proper care of school ICT resources.

The KAWA team encouraged learners to become active custodians of the school computer laboratory. This means using equipment carefully, supporting basic maintenance, reporting faults, and helping create a culture of responsible technology use.

By presenting the club in this way, learners were helped to see ICT not only as a subject, but as a shared school resource that needs protection and proper management.

Practical Digital Skills for Real-Life Use

The training introduced learners to key areas of digital learning, including ICT laboratory management, basic computer maintenance, troubleshooting, internet safety, cybersecurity awareness, coding, innovation, and introductory exposure to Artificial Intelligence.

KAWA used presentations, practical demonstrations, case studies, and interactive exercises to make the session engaging and meaningful. Learners were also introduced to the ICT Clubs website, www.ictclubs.ug, where they can access tutorials, learning materials, and innovation resources after the launch.

The training helped students connect ICT to real-life needs such as learning, communication, research, creativity, community service, and future employment.

A National Message Reaching Bukhalu

The official launch was supported by a recorded speech message from the Executive Director of UCC, Mr Nyombi Thembo. His message emphasised digital skills, responsible use of technology, innovation, and the role of learners in sustaining school ICT laboratories.

This helped learners appreciate that their ICT Club is part of a wider national effort to promote digital learning and innovation among young people across Uganda.

Structures for an Active Club

For the club to operate effectively, KAWA worked with the school administration, ICT teacher, teachers, and learners to support the formation of student leadership structures. Learners were guided on leadership roles, accountability, teamwork, and the importance of organised club activities.

A standard ICT Club constitution template was shared with the school to guide formal operations. The ICT Club Handbook was also provided to help teachers and student leaders plan meetings, organise activities, guide members, and support innovation projects throughout the year.

Preparing Learners for Bigger Opportunities

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

The ICT Club is expected to help learners develop practical ICT skills, practise safe and ethical technology use, explore coding and digital creation, take care of ICT resources, and participate in mentorship and innovation opportunities.

Challenges to Keep in View

The visit also noted likely challenges that may affect the growth of the ICT 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 why continuous teacher support, proper planning, reliable power, functional equipment, and follow-up mentorship are important for the success of the club.

The Way Forward

Bukhalu Seed Secondary School is encouraged to allocate regular time for ICT Club activities, strengthen support from the administration and teachers, 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 sustainable centre for digital learning, creativity, and innovation.

The launch at Bukhalu Seed Secondary School marked an important beginning. It showed that when learners are inspired and teachers are involved, an ICT Club can become more than a club. It can become a school platform for responsibility, digital confidence, teamwork, 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.