Imagine This: 283 ICT Clubs Lighting Up Uganda’s Future

Imagine a classroom in rural Uganda where students are building websites, creating digital animations, developing mobile apps, and solving real-life community problems using technology. This vision is already becoming a reality in over 283 secondary schools across the country through a powerful initiative by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), implemented by KAWA (Kisubi Associated Writers Agency). These ICT Clubs are reshaping education and empowering young minds to become the digital innovators, creators, and leaders of tomorrow.

Each school receives a comprehensive package that includes hands-on ICT training, essential software tools, a dedicated domain and hosting space for student projects, and an opportunity to participate in national ICT competitions and exhibitions. These clubs serve as living laboratories where learners connect classroom theory with practical digital skills, while also gaining exposure to ethical digital practices, innovation, and real-world applications of technology.

The first objective of the ICT Clubs is to promote the sustainability of school ICT labs by equipping students with the skills to operate and manage digital equipment efficiently. For instance, students at Ndeeba SS in Kayunga can now troubleshoot hardware issues and manage software installations, reducing the dependency on external technical support. Secondly, the initiative empowers students to take ownership of school ICT resources, fostering a sense of responsibility. At Arua Public Secondary School, ICT Club members have taken charge of monitoring lab usage and maintenance—roles typically handled by staff—thus learning real-world tech management.

The third goal focuses on equipping students with practical skills that go beyond the curriculum. Clubs offer exposure to coding, animation, video editing, web design, and mobile app development. At PMM Girls School in Jinja, learners used these skills to create a menstrual hygiene awareness mobile app—showing how digital tools can address real social issues. The fourth goal ensures direct engagement between schools and UCC. Instead of waiting for inspection visits, students submit structured reports about their club activities, a system successfully used by Chawente SS in Kwania.

To recognize innovation, UCC and KAWA organize national ICT competitions, providing a platform for outstanding student work. A great example is the team from Makerere College School, which developed a solar-powered irrigation monitor that won recognition at the ICT Clubs Expo. Beyond innovation, these clubs are also vital in promoting cyber safety and digital ethics. Students at Nyakasura School in Fort Portal designed posters and hosted peer-to-peer discussions about online safety, which are now proudly displayed in every classroom.

The ICT Clubs also encourage learners to connect with peers both locally and globally. Students at Busoga College Mwiri created a blog that showcases their coding projects, and other schools can visit, comment, and collaborate through shared online platforms. The initiative also focuses on building career-ready skills. At Mulatsi SS in Mbale, students are learning how to produce educational documentaries, linking digital storytelling to future careers in media and communication.

A core element of the clubs is fostering collaboration through peer learning and mentorship. In Dr. Obote College Boroboro in Lira, senior students conduct weekly Scratch programming workshops for juniors, reinforcing leadership and teaching skills. This collaborative learning model mirrors real-world workplace dynamics. Students also develop creative problem-solving skills—such as when the ICT Club at Sir Samuel Baker SS in Gulu improvised a presentation using a backup laptop and slideshow after a technical failure.

Most importantly, ICT Clubs bridge the gap between classroom theory and practical application. For example, at Kibuli Secondary School, students transformed a biology lesson into a digital animation video explaining the digestive system. This project not only deepened understanding but also built multimedia production skills.

These clubs are guided by structured activities that include student leadership elections, constitution development, peer training, digital content creation, lab management, and access to global learning platforms like MOOCs. Mentorship by university students and ICT professionals further connects school activities to industry realities. The students also extend their knowledge beyond school by training teachers, parents, and local community members—helping bridge the digital divide.

The ICT Club initiative has already transformed learning in 283 schools across Uganda. These include schools like Makerere College School in Kampala, PMM Girls School in Jinja, Mulatsi SS in Mbale, Dr. Obote College Boroboro in Lira, St. Leo’s College Kyegobe in Fort Portal, and St. Mary’s College Kisubi in Wakiso. You can view the complete, district-sorted list of all 283 schools in the attached table above.

Looking ahead, KAWA continues to support this growing network of digital innovators through mentorship, monitoring, and national competitions. The long-term vision is clear: to raise a generation of young Ugandans who are digitally skilled, ethically grounded, and capable of using technology to improve their communities and build careers. These ICT Clubs are not just clubs—they are Uganda’s blueprint for digital transformation.

Stay tuned as we showcase more innovations from these young changemakers. Follow KAWA and UCC to see how your school, your community, or your organization can join in empowering the next generation of digital leaders.

FULL LIST OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS