Busaba Seed SS Plants Seeds of Digital Innovation Through ICT Club Launch

Busaba Seed Secondary School in Butaleja District has taken a meaningful step towards building a stronger culture of digital learning, learner responsibility, and innovation through the launch and training of its ICT Club.

The activity took place on Tuesday, 17th February 2026 and was facilitated by Noah Okwalinga 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, orienting learners and school leaders on the purpose of the programme, and equipping students with foundational digital knowledge and practical ICT skills. It also encouraged learners to begin viewing technology as a useful tool for solving school and community challenges.

The school leadership, led by Headteacher Mr Mulungwe Joseph, together with ICT Teacher Mr Olaka Jude, welcomed the programme and participated in discussions on how the club can be sustained at school level. Their involvement showed the importance of administrative and teacher support in making ICT Clubs active beyond the launch day.

Before the main training session, learners were invited to share their expectations. Many expressed interest in gaining practical computer skills beyond the classroom. Others wanted to learn how to maintain and protect ICT equipment, improve their internet use, explore coding, and understand innovation and digital creation. Some learners also looked forward to mentorship, teamwork, problem-solving, and preparation for future careers in the digital world.

The training helped learners understand that an ICT Club is not only about using computers. It is about developing ownership, responsibility, creativity, leadership, and teamwork. Learners were guided to see themselves as important contributors to the sustainability of the school computer laboratory and as young people capable of using ICT to create practical solutions.

KAWA delivered a range of learning materials during the session, including PowerPoint presentations, practical demonstrations, case studies, and interactive exercises. Learners were also introduced to the ICT Clubs website, www.ictclubs.ug, where they can access tutorials, resources, and innovation materials to continue learning after the launch.

The official launch was supported by a recorded speech message from the Executive Director of UCC, Mr Nyombi Thembo. His message highlighted the importance of digital skills, responsible use of technology, innovation, and the role of learners in sustaining school ICT laboratories. It also helped students understand that their club is part of a wider national effort to strengthen ICT participation among young people in schools.

As part of the establishment process, KAWA worked with the school administration, ICT teacher, and club patron to support the formation of the ICT Club and its student leadership structure. Learners were introduced to the importance of leadership, accountability, teamwork, and proper organisation. A standard ICT Club constitution template was shared to guide the school in formalising club operations.

The ICT Club Handbook was also shared with the school to support club management, learner participation, leadership development, innovation activities, and digital skills training. A digital copy was provided for continued use by the patron, teachers, and student leaders throughout the year.

During the digital skills training, learners were introduced to ICT laboratory management and sustainability, basic computer maintenance, troubleshooting, internet safety, cybersecurity awareness, coding, innovation, and Artificial Intelligence. The sessions placed strong emphasis on responsible use of equipment, safe internet practices, and practical digital skills for problem-solving.

The expected outcomes of the Busaba Seed SS ICT Club include a more sustainable school ICT laboratory, stronger learner ownership of ICT resources, improved digital confidence, responsible internet use, and increased participation in practical technology projects. The club is also expected to prepare learners for future opportunities in coding, innovation, digital creation, mentorship, and national ICT-related engagements.

Learners were further encouraged to prepare for future participation in ANCC 2026. This created excitement and reminded them that consistent club participation can connect them to wider opportunities in communication, innovation, and technology.

KAWA also held engagement discussions with school leadership to strengthen institutional support for the ICT Club. The discussions focused on the need for regular club meetings, teacher guidance, continued mentorship, and school ownership of the programme.

Some likely challenges were noted, including 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 will require continued attention, follow-up, and support from both the school and programme partners.

The school was encouraged to allocate regular time for ICT Club activities, strengthen support from the administration and patron, and continue receiving mentorship and follow-up training. Improved ICT infrastructure and reliable power will further help the club grow into a sustainable centre for digital learning and innovation.

The launch at Busaba Seed Secondary School marked an important beginning. It opened a pathway for learners to gain practical digital skills, protect school ICT resources, use technology responsibly, and prepare for future opportunities in the digital world.

KAWA sincerely appreciates UCC and UCUSAF for their continued support towards the establishment and training of ICT Clubs in schools across Uganda.