ICT Club Launched at Pilkington College Muguluka to Strengthen Digital Skills in Jinja
Pilkington College Muguluka, located in Igombe, Muguluka Division, within Jinja City in the Eastern Region of Uganda, has officially launched its ICT Club under the national ICT Clubs initiative. The school is situated approximately 80 kilometers east of Kampala along the Kampala–Jinja highway, near the urban center of Jinja, providing students access to diverse digital learning and innovation opportunities.
Launch Overview
The ICT Club launch and training were facilitated by Kisubi Associated Writers Agency under the ICT Clubs programme supported by Uganda Communications Commission and Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund. The session was led by Ms. Valeria Wanyana, with the goal of equipping students with practical ICT knowledge and enhancing the school’s digital learning environment.
Learners’ Expectations and Engagement:
The launch generated great enthusiasm among the 73 students from Senior One to Senior Six. Learners expressed interest in gaining practical computer skills, maintaining and protecting ICT equipment, improving internet usage, and exploring areas such as coding, innovation, and digital content creation. Many students also highlighted mentorship, teamwork, and problem-solving as key expectations from the club.
ICT Club Objectives:
The ICT Club at Pilkington College Muguluka aims to:
- Build student capacity to manage and sustain the school’s ICT resources.
- Promote ownership and responsibility in the school’s computer labs.
- Equip learners with advanced ICT skills beyond classroom learning.
- Prepare students for future competitions and the National Conference on Communications (NCC) 2026.
Training and Resources:
KAWA Uganda delivered a comprehensive training programme including:
- Presentations, practical demonstrations, and interactive sessions.
- Introduction to the ICT Clubs online platform (www.ictclubs.ug) for continuous learning, tutorials, and innovation materials.
The official launch included guidance on the importance of responsible technology use, digital skills, and innovation, emphasizing the students’ role in sustaining ICT laboratories and contributing to national digital transformation efforts.
Leadership and Sustainability:
School leadership, led by Headteacher Mulala Peter, together with ICT Club patron Muzaale Richard, collaborated with KAWA Uganda to establish a structured student leadership system. Learners were guided on accountability, club operations, and long-term sustainability. A standard ICT Club constitution and handbook were provided to support operations and student engagement.
Digital Skills Development:
During the training, students gained knowledge in:
- ICT laboratory management and sustainability
- Basic computer maintenance and troubleshooting
- Internet safety and cybersecurity awareness
- Introduction to coding, innovation, and Artificial Intelligence
Challenges Identified:
- Limited internet connectivity affecting access to online resources.
- Gaps in teacher training and digital competency.
- Need for more ICT equipment and learning resources.
Recommendations:
- Allocate regular time for ICT Club activities.
- Ensure the ICT patron guides students in developing real-world digital projects.
- Strengthen access to ICT equipment and online learning resources to support innovation.
Conclusion:
The ICT Club launch at Pilkington College Muguluka represents a significant step toward enhancing digital literacy in Jinja City. With support from UCC Uganda and UCUSAF Uganda, and technical guidance from KAWA Uganda, students are now equipped with practical ICT skills, inspired to innovate, and prepared to participate in technology competitions such as NCC 2026.
