ICT Club Launched at Busaba Seed Secondary School to Strengthen Digital Skills in Butaleja District
Butaleja District, Eastern Uganda — February 17, 2026
Learners at Busaba Seed Secondary School in Butaleja District have officially joined Uganda’s growing network of young digital innovators following the successful launch and training of the school’s ICT Club under the national ICT Clubs programme implemented by Kisubi Associated Writers Agency (KAWA) in partnership with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) through the UCUSAF initiative.
Busaba Seed Secondary School is located in Busaba Village in Buwihula Sub-county, Butaleja District, within the Teso–Bukedi sub-region of Eastern Uganda. The school lies approximately 260 kilometres east of Kampala, Uganda’s capital city, and about 20 kilometres from Mbale City, the main urban and commercial hub serving the Bukedi and Teso regions. The school serves learners from surrounding rural communities where access to digital learning opportunities is still limited, making initiatives like ICT Clubs particularly impactful.
The ICT Club launch and training took place on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, and was facilitated by Noah Okwalinga from the KAWA ICT Clubs programme. The school is headed by Mr. Mulungwe Joseph, while Mr. Olaka Jude serves as the ICT teacher and club patron, supporting learners in developing digital and innovation skills.
Empowering Learners Through Technology and Innovati
The launch aimed to officially introduce the ICT Club and orient learners and school leadership on the objectives of the national ICT Clubs programme.
The programme seeks to equip students with practical digital knowledge and innovation skills, while encouraging them to use technology as a tool for solving challenges within their communities.
At the beginning of the training session, learners shared their expectations from the ICT Club. Many expressed interest in gaining hands-on computer skills, learning how to maintain and protect ICT equipment, improving their internet usage and digital research abilities, and exploring coding, innovation, and digital creation.
Others highlighted the importance of teamwork, mentorship, and career preparation in the digital world, reflecting the enthusiasm of young learners eager to participate in Uganda’s digital transformation.
Strengthening Student Ownership of ICT Resources
During the session, facilitators emphasized that ICT Clubs are designed not only to teach technology skills but also to encourage student ownership and responsibility in managing school ICT resources.
Members of the ICT Club will support the sustainability of the school computer laboratory, assist in basic maintenance of ICT equipment, and promote responsible use of technology among fellow students.
Through this approach, learners become active custodians of their school’s digital infrastructure while gaining valuable technical skills.
Training and Learning Resources Provided
To support the launch and training, KAWA delivered PowerPoint presentations, demonstrations, case studies, and interactive learning exercises that introduced students to digital innovation and technology use.
Learners were also introduced to the national ICT Clubs learning platform www.ictclubs.ug, where they can access tutorials, innovation materials, and digital learning resources that support continued learning beyond the training session.
This platform provides learners with opportunities to learn, experiment, and collaborate on technology projects.
Message from the Uganda Communications Commission
The official launch of the ICT Club was marked by a recorded message from Mr. Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission.
In his message, he encouraged learners to embrace digital technology responsibly and to explore innovative ideas that can contribute to the development of their communities.
He also reminded students that ICT Clubs are part of a nationwide programme supported by UCC and UCUSAF, aimed at preparing young Ugandans to thrive in the digital economy.
Establishing ICT Club Leadership and Structures
During the visit, KAWA worked with the school administration and ICT teachers to formally establish the ICT Club and guide learners in forming a student leadership structure.
Students were trained on the purpose of the club, how it will operate within the school, and why leadership, accountability, and teamwork are essential for sustainability.
A standard ICT Club constitution template was also shared with the school to guide the club’s governance and operations.
Additionally, the ICT Club Handbook was provided in digital format to support teachers and student leaders in managing club activities, innovation projects, and digital learning programmes throughout the year.
Practical Digital Skills Training
Learners received introductory training in several key digital areas, including:
- ICT laboratory management and sustainability
- Basic computer maintenance and troubleshooting
- Internet safety and cybersecurity awareness
- Introduction to coding and digital innovation
- Exposure to emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence
The training emphasized responsible handling of ICT equipment, safe internet use, and the importance of using technology to develop solutions to real-life challenges.
Preparing Learners for ANCC 2026
Students were also informed that ICT Club members across Uganda are being prepared for participation in the Annual National Conference on Communications (ANCC) 2026, where schools showcase innovative technology projects developed by students.
This announcement encouraged learners to begin thinking about technology-based solutions that can address challenges within their communities, strengthening collaboration and innovation within the club.
Engagement with School Leadership
The KAWA team also held discussions with the headteacher, ICT club patron, and teachers to strengthen institutional support for the programme.
These discussions emphasized the need for regular ICT club activities, mentorship from teachers, and strong school leadership support to ensure the sustainability of the initiative.
With such support, the ICT Club is expected to grow into a centre for digital learning and innovation within the school.
Challenges and Opportunities for Improvement
During the visit, several potential challenges were noted that may affect the growth of the ICT Club.
These included limited ICT infrastructure, unreliable power supply, limited time allocated for club activities, and varying levels of digital literacy among learners.
In addition, the school currently operates without reliable internet connectivity, which may limit access to online learning resources.
Recommendations for Strengthening the ICT Club
To support the development of the ICT Club, the school was encouraged to allocate regular time for ICT club meetings, strengthen administrative support for the programme, and continue receiving mentorship and follow-up training from KAWA.
Improving ICT infrastructure and expanding access to digital learning resources will further help the club grow into a sustainable hub for digital skills and innovation.
Advancing Digital Learning in Eastern Uganda
KAWA expressed sincere appreciation to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and UCUSAF for supporting the establishment and training of ICT Clubs in schools across Uganda.
The launch of the ICT Club at Busaba Seed Secondary School marks an important milestone in strengthening digital literacy, innovation, and technology leadership among learners in the Bukedi sub-region.
Through initiatives like these, learners in rural communities are gaining the skills and confidence needed to become future innovators, technology leaders, and problem solvers in Uganda’s digital future.
