ICT Club Launched at Bukhalu Seed Secondary School to Strengthen Digital Education in Bulambuli
BULAMBULI DISTRICT, EASTERN UGANDA — Bukhalu Seed Secondary School has taken a major step toward empowering its learners with digital skills following the successful launch and training of its ICT Club on Monday, 19th February 2025.
The training was facilitated by Moses Wamanga under the Kisubi Associated Writers Agency (KAWA) as part of the national ICT Clubs programme supported by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund UCUSAF.
About Bukhalu Seed Secondary School
Bukhalu Seed Secondary School is located in Bukhalu Village, Bulambuli District, within the Sebei/Bugisu sub-region of Eastern Uganda. The district lies on the slopes of Mount Elgon, approximately 260–280 kilometers northeast of Kampala, Uganda’s capital city.
The main urban center serving the district is Bulambuli Town, which acts as the administrative and commercial hub for the area. The school plays a critical role in providing access to secondary education for learners from surrounding rural communities and is steadily embracing ICT to enhance learning.
Purpose of the ICT Club Launch
The launch aimed to establish a functional ICT Club that equips students with practical digital skills, innovation capabilities, and responsibility in managing ICT resources.
The initiative also introduced both learners and school leadership to the broader vision of ICT Clubs as drivers of digital transformation in education.
Learners Show Strong Enthusiasm for ICT Skills
At the beginning of the training, students shared their expectations, expressing interest in:
- Gaining practical computer skills beyond classroom learning
- Learning how to maintain and protect ICT equipment
- Improving internet usage and digital literacy
- Exploring coding, innovation, and digital creation
Students also highlighted the importance of teamwork, mentorship, and problem-solving skills, showing readiness to engage in future digital opportunities.
Building Practical and Sustainable ICT Capacity
Facilitators emphasized that the ICT Club is designed to:
- Strengthen ICT lab management and sustainability
- Promote student ownership and accountability
- Provide hands-on ICT skills beyond the classroom
This ensures learners become active participants in managing and sustaining their school’s digital resources.
Official Launch Message
The official launch was marked by a recorded message from UCC Executive Director, Mr. Nyombi Thembo, who stressed the importance of digital skills, responsible technology use, and innovation.
His message encouraged students to take ownership of ICT resources and actively participate in shaping their digital future.
Establishment of ICT Club Leadership
KAWA worked closely with the school administration led by Headteacher Kirya Denis, alongside ICT teachers, to establish a structured ICT Club leadership system.
Students were guided on leadership roles, teamwork, and accountability, while a standard ICT Club constitution template was provided to guide operations.
Several teachers also participated in the training, reinforcing institutional support and mentorship for the club.
ICT Club Handbook and Learning Resources
The school received the ICT Club Handbook, which provides guidance on:
- Club operations and leadership
- Learner participation
- Innovation and project development
- Digital skills advancement
Students were also introduced to the ICT Clubs online platform (www.ictclubs.ug) for continuous learning and access to innovation resources.
Digital Skills Training Conducted
Learners were equipped with essential digital competencies, including:
- ICT lab management and sustainability
- Basic computer maintenance and troubleshooting
- Internet safety and cybersecurity awareness
- Introduction to coding and innovation
- Exposure to Artificial Intelligence
The sessions emphasized practical application, safe internet practices, and problem-solving skills.
Expected Impact of the ICT Club
The ICT Club is expected to contribute significantly to the school’s development through:
- Sustainable management of ICT laboratories
- Increased student leadership and responsibility
- Improved digital literacy and ethical technology use
- Development of practical ICT and innovation skills
- Access to mentorship opportunities through UCC and UCUSAF
Preparing Learners for NCC 2026
Students were encouraged to actively participate in ICT Club activities as preparation for the National Conference on Communications (NCC) 2026.
This opportunity is expected to inspire learners to develop innovative projects, strengthen collaboration, and apply technology to real-world challenges.
Strengthening School Support
KAWA engaged school leadership and teachers to emphasize:
- Regular ICT Club meetings
- Continuous mentorship and guidance
- Strong institutional support for sustainability
Challenges Identified
Some challenges highlighted during the training include:
- Unreliable power supply
- Limited ICT infrastructure
- Time constraints for ICT Club activities
- Varying levels of digital literacy among learners
Addressing these challenges will be key to ensuring long-term impact and sustainability.
Way Forward
The school has been encouraged to:
- Allocate dedicated time for ICT Club activities
- Strengthen administrative and mentorship support
- Improve ICT infrastructure
- Continue collaboration with KAWA, UCC, and UCUSAF
Conclusion
The launch of the ICT Club at Bukhalu Seed Secondary School marks a significant milestone in advancing digital education in Bulambuli District. By equipping learners with practical ICT skills, fostering innovation, and promoting responsible use of technology, the initiative is shaping a generation prepared for the demands of the digital era.
KAWA expressed appreciation to UCC and UCUSAF for their continued support in expanding ICT Clubs across Uganda and empowering learners with essential digital competencies.
