Igniting Digital Dreams in Kanungu: Uganda Martyrs SS Launches Dynamic ICT Club with KAWA and UCC Support
In a spirited and hopeful gathering on June 11th, 2025, Uganda Martyrs Secondary School – Kayungwe marked a turning point in its educational journey by launching a vibrant ICT Club. This initiative, made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and Kisubi Associated Writers Agency (KAWA), is part of a national movement to empower Ugandan learners with digital skills for the 21st century.
A Celebration of Enthusiasm and Vision
Held within the school’s premises in Kanungu District, the launch drew participation from 36 students (Senior One to Senior Four) and 2 committed teachers. The entire O-Level school community was energized by this practical, hands-on training session that equipped students with real-world skills in mobile app development using MIT App Inventor and Visual Studio Code.
The event opened with a warm and artistic touch. The ICT Club president gave brief opening remarks, welcoming guests and peers with optimism. This was followed by a special performance from the students, who sang a welcoming song in appreciation of UCC and KAWA’s efforts to digitize education in rural schools.
“We thank UCC and KAWA for bringing us into the digital world. This club is the beginning of a new era for us,” one student remarked during the group feedback session.
The facilitator, Mr. Noah Okwalinga, introduced the goals and roadmap of the ICT Club. He guided students through practical activities, which included setting up VS Code and MIT App Inventor, understanding the basics of digital project creation, and exploring the rich offline resources of KAWA CONNECT—from simulations and video lessons to interactive eBooks.
Key Highlights of the ICT Club Launch
- Demonstration of KAWA CONNECT: Offline tools, simulations, and multimedia learning content for schools with limited internet.
- Hands-on Coding Exercises: Students installed and practiced with VS Code and MIT App Inventor to begin their journey in app development.
- Club Roadmap and Vision Presentation: A comprehensive overview of ICT Club structure, expected projects, and sustainability models.
- Digital Problem Solving Orientation: Encouraging students to use coding to solve real-world community challenges.
Challenges Identified
Despite the enthusiasm, two major challenges impacted the training experience:
- Power interruptions, which slowed the progress of the session.
- Lack of a projector, which limited the visibility of the presentation and made it difficult to fully engage with the video message from KAWA’s Executive Director.
“We did our best with what we had, but tools like a projector would have made it easier to share the learning,” said the facilitator, Mr. Okwalinga Noah.
Recommendations for Sustainability and Growth
To ensure continuity and growth of the club, the following suggestions were raised:
- Infrastructure Support: Provision of more digital tools such as laptops, routers, projectors, and other EdTech devices.
- Virtual Mentorship: Regular remote support sessions by KAWA and UCC to maintain learning momentum.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Monthly reports by student leaders to help track progress and identify challenges early.
“We’re ready to report our activities monthly and share our projects as we grow,” shared one of the students elected to lead the club.
Voices from the Ground
Students expressed immense gratitude and shared their desires for more resources:
“This is our first time building apps. We loved it and we wish we had more computers so every student could get a turn.”
A Word from the Patron
Mr. Byamukama Vian, the school’s ICT Club Patron, applauded the students’ participation and promised his full support in nurturing the club:
“Our students are ready, and with support from UCC and KAWA, we will make this ICT Club a beacon of innovation in Kanungu.”
A Digital Journey Begins
With support from UCC, KAWA Uganda, and the unwavering dedication of teachers and students, the ICT Club at Uganda Martyrs Secondary School – Kayungwe is now officially operational. It stands as a symbol of digital empowerment and a platform for innovation in one of Uganda’s rural education communities. The road ahead is full of potential—and the students are more than ready to walk it.
The future is now. Uganda Martyrs SS is not just learning ICT—it’s living it.
