ICT Club Launched at Francis Ayume Memorial Secondary School to Promote Digital Innovation in Koboko District

Koboko District, West Nile Region — February 27, 2026

Students of Francis Ayume Memorial Secondary School in Koboko District have joined Uganda’s growing network of technology 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.

Francis Ayume Memorial SS is located in Amandunga Village, Dranya Sub-county in Koboko District, within the West Nile Region of Northern Uganda, close to the international borders with South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The school lies approximately 520 kilometres northwest of Kampala, Uganda’s capital city, and about 8 kilometres from Koboko Town, the district’s main administrative and commercial centre. The location places the school within a vibrant border region where digital skills can significantly enhance learning, communication, and community development.

The ICT Club launch took place on Friday, 27 February 2026, and was facilitated by Noah Okwalinga from the KAWA ICT Clubs programme. The club is guided by Mr. Ronald Wafumbo, the school’s ICT teacher and club patron, who will coordinate digital learning activities and innovation projects within the school.

A Step Toward Empowering Young Digital Innovators

The launch aimed to officially establish the ICT Club and introduce learners and school leadership to the objectives of the national ICT Clubs programme.

The programme is designed to empower learners with practical digital knowledge, innovation skills, and the ability to use technology to solve real-life problems within their communities.

During the session, students were invited to share their expectations for the ICT Club. Many learners expressed enthusiasm about acquiring hands-on computer skills, learning how to maintain and protect ICT equipment, improving their internet research skills, and exploring coding, innovation, and digital creation.

Others highlighted their interest in teamwork, mentorship, and preparing for future careers in technology and digital industries.

Building Student Ownership of ICT Resources

Facilitators explained that one of the main goals of the ICT Club is to help students develop a strong sense of ownership and responsibility for managing the school’s ICT resources.

Through the club, learners will be trained to support the sustainability of the school computer laboratory, assist with basic maintenance of ICT equipment, and promote responsible use of technology among fellow students.

This approach ensures that students are not only users of technology but also active custodians of digital infrastructure within their school.

Training and Learning Resources Delivered

To support the launch and training, KAWA delivered interactive presentations, demonstrations, case studies, and practical exercises designed to introduce students to the world of digital innovation.

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 to continue building their skills beyond the training session.

These resources will support learners as they explore technology and develop innovative ideas that can benefit their communities.

Official Launch 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 use innovation to create solutions that improve their communities.

He also reminded students that they are part of a nationwide network of ICT Clubs supported by UCC and UCUSAF, aimed at preparing young people to thrive in the digital economy.

Establishing Club Leadership and Structures

During the visit, KAWA worked closely with the school administration and teachers to 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 the sustainability of the initiative.

A standard ICT Club constitution template was also shared with the school to guide the governance and operations of the club.

Additionally, the ICT Club Handbook was provided in digital format to support the club patron, teachers, and student leaders in managing club programmes, innovation projects, and digital learning activities throughout the year.

Practical Digital Skills Training

Learners also received introductory training in several key areas of digital literacy, 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 sessions emphasized responsible handling of ICT equipment, safe internet practices, and the importance of using technology as a tool for creativity and problem solving.

Preparing Learners for NCC 2026

During the training, learners were informed that ICT Club members across Uganda are being prepared for participation in the Annual National Conference on Communications (NCC) 2026, where schools showcase innovative technology projects developed by students.

This announcement inspired learners to begin thinking about technology-based solutions that can address challenges within their local communities, strengthening collaboration and innovation within the club.

Strengthening Support from School Leadership

The KAWA team also engaged with the school leadership, ICT patron, and teachers to strengthen institutional support for the ICT Club.

Discussions emphasized the importance of allocating time for club activities, providing mentorship to students, and ensuring strong administrative support for the programme.

Such collaboration between school leadership and students will help ensure that the ICT Club becomes a sustainable centre for digital learning and innovation.

Challenges and Recommendations

Several potential challenges were identified during the visit, including unreliable power supply, limited ICT infrastructure, limited time for club activities, and varying levels of digital literacy among learners.

To address these issues, the school was encouraged to allocate regular time for ICT Club activities, strengthen administrative support for the programme, and continue receiving mentorship and follow-up training from KAWA.

Improved ICT infrastructure and reliable power supply will also help the club expand its activities and support more learners.

A Growing Digital Future for Learners in West Nile

KAWA expressed sincere appreciation to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and UCUSAF for supporting the establishment and training of ICT Clubs across Uganda.

The launch of the ICT Club at Francis Ayume Memorial Secondary School marks an important milestone in strengthening digital literacy, innovation, and technology leadership among learners in the West Nile region.

Through initiatives like these, students are gaining the knowledge and confidence needed to become future innovators, technology leaders, and problem solvers in Uganda’s digital transformation journey.