ICT Club Launched at Chepkwasta Secondary School to Advance Digital Skills in Bukwo District
Chepkwasta Secondary School, located in Chepkwasta Sub-county in Bukwo District within the Sebei sub-region of Eastern Uganda, has officially launched its ICT Club under a national digital skills development initiative. The school lies approximately 400–420 kilometers northeast of Kampala, Uganda’s capital city, and is situated near Bukwo Town Council, the district’s main administrative and commercial center, close to the Uganda–Kenya border.
The ICT Club launch and training were conducted by Kisubi Associated Writers Agency (KAWA) as part of the ICT Clubs programme supported by the Uganda Communications Commission and the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund. The training session was facilitated by Mr. Moses Wamanga and aimed at equipping learners with practical digital knowledge and strengthening ICT capacity within the school.
Empowering Learners Through Digital Skills
During the session, students shared strong enthusiasm and expectations for the ICT Club. Many expressed interest in gaining hands-on computer skills beyond classroom theory, understanding how to maintain ICT equipment, improving internet usage, and exploring emerging fields such as coding, innovation, and digital content creation. Others looked forward to mentorship opportunities, teamwork development, and preparing for future careers in the digital economy.
The ICT Club was introduced as a platform to empower students with practical ICT competencies, while also promoting responsibility in managing school ICT resources. Emphasis was placed on sustainability, ensuring that learners actively participate in maintaining and protecting the school’s computer laboratory.
Practical Training and Learning Resources
KAWA delivered structured training using presentations, demonstrations, and interactive exercises. Learners were introduced to online learning resources, including the ICT Clubs platform (www.ictclubs.ug), which provides continuous access to tutorials, innovation guides, and digital learning materials.
The official launch was marked by a recorded message from Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of UCC, who emphasized the importance of digital literacy, responsible technology use, and student-led innovation. His message reinforced the learners’ role in sustaining ICT infrastructure and contributing to Uganda’s digital transformation.
Establishing Leadership and Sustainability Structures
A key highlight of the launch was the formation of the ICT Club leadership structure. KAWA worked closely with the school administration, led by Headteacher Mr. Limo Charles, and ICT teacher Ms. Chebet K. Joseph to establish a functional student-led team. A standard ICT Club constitution template and handbook were also provided to guide operations, leadership, and participation throughout the year.
Building Future-Ready Skills
Students received introductory training in:
- 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 intended to go beyond the traditional classroom curriculum, enabling learners to apply technology in solving real-world problems while promoting safe and ethical digital practices.
Preparing for NCC 2026
As part of the programme, learners were informed about opportunities to participate in the upcoming National Conference on Communications (NCC) 2026. This initiative is expected to motivate students to engage actively in ICT Club activities, collaborate on innovative projects, and showcase their digital solutions on a national platform.
Strengthening ICT Infrastructure and Opportunities
Chepkwasta Secondary School currently benefits from an ICT setup that includes approximately 20 networked computers, laptops, internet connectivity, and projection facilities. These resources provide a strong foundation for the ICT Club to thrive as a hub for digital learning and innovation in the region.
Conclusion
The launch of the ICT Club at Chepkwasta Secondary School marks a significant milestone in expanding access to digital skills in rural Eastern Uganda. Through the continued support of UCC and UCUSAF, and the technical guidance of KAWA, the initiative is set to empower learners with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
The programme continues to play a vital role in bridging the digital divide, nurturing innovation among students, and preparing young people for future academic and professional opportunities in ICT.
