ICT Club Launch in Buikwe District: 3Rs Secondary School Advances Digital Skills in Lugazi
3Rs Secondary School, located in Lugazi Municipality in Buikwe District within the Central Region of Uganda, has officially launched its ICT Club under a national initiative aimed at strengthening digital literacy and innovation among learners. This ICT Club launch in Buikwe District marks a key step in expanding access to practical technology skills in secondary schools.
The school lies approximately 45–50 kilometers east of Kampala along the Kampala–Jinja highway, and is near Lugazi, a major industrial and commercial hub in the district. Its strategic location enhances access to digital opportunities and exposure for learners.
The ICT Club launch and training were conducted by Kisubi Associated Writers Agency (KAWA) under the ICT Clubs programme supported by the Uganda Communications Commission and the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund. The session was facilitated by Ms. Valeria Wanyana, focusing on equipping students with practical ICT skills and strengthening the school’s digital learning environment.
Building a Strong Digital Foundation
The ICT Club launch generated enthusiasm among students, many of whom expressed a strong desire to gain hands-on computer skills beyond classroom theory. Learners highlighted interests in:
- Computer maintenance and protection of ICT equipment
- Effective and safe internet usage
- Coding, innovation, and digital content creation
- Teamwork, mentorship, and problem-solving skills
The ICT Club was introduced as a platform to nurture these competencies while promoting responsibility and student ownership in managing school ICT resources.
Digital Skills Training and Learning Resources
KAWA delivered structured training through presentations, demonstrations, and interactive learning sessions. Students were introduced to the ICT Clubs online platform, which provides continuous access to tutorials, innovation resources, and digital learning materials.
The official launch featured a recorded message from Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of UCC, emphasizing the importance of digital literacy, responsible technology use, and innovation. His message highlighted the critical role students play in sustaining ICT laboratories and supporting Uganda’s digital transformation agenda.
Establishing Leadership and Sustainability
KAWA worked closely with the school leadership, led by Headteacher Mr. Mulindwa John Bosco, alongside ICT teacher Ms. Kaasa Gertrude, to establish a well-structured ICT Club with a student-led leadership team.
Students were guided on leadership, accountability, and active participation to ensure long-term sustainability. To support this, the school received:
- An ICT Club handbook
- A standard constitution template
- Operational guidelines for club activities
Practical ICT Skills for the Future
As part of the ICT Club launch in Buikwe District, learners were trained in key practical areas, including:
- ICT laboratory management and sustainability
- Basic computer maintenance and troubleshooting
- Internet safety and cybersecurity awareness
- Introduction to coding, innovation, and Artificial Intelligence
These skills are essential in preparing students to apply technology in solving real-world challenges and adapting to a rapidly evolving digital environment.
Preparing Students for NCC 2026
Students were encouraged to actively engage in ICT Club activities as part of preparation for the National Conference on Communications (NCC) 2026. This platform will enable learners to showcase innovations, collaborate with peers, and gain national exposure in the field of ICT.
Strengthening ICT Education in Buikwe District
KAWA also engaged the school administration and teaching staff to ensure sustained institutional support for the ICT Club. Emphasis was placed on:
- Regular ICT Club meetings
- Continuous mentorship and guidance
- Integration of ICT activities into the school programme
While the school has made commendable progress, challenges such as limited ICT infrastructure, time constraints, and the need for ongoing mentorship were identified. Strengthening these areas will be key to sustaining the initiative.
Conclusion
The ICT Club launch in Buikwe District at 3Rs Secondary School represents a significant milestone in promoting digital education in Central Uganda. With support from UCC and UCUSAF, and the technical expertise of KAWA, the initiative is set to empower learners with essential digital skills, foster innovation, and prepare them for future academic and professional opportunities in the digital economy.
