ICT Club Launched at Malera Kabarwa Seed Secondary School to Promote Digital Skills in Bukedea District
Bukedea District, Teso Sub-Region — February 23, 2026
Students at Malera Kabarwa Seed Secondary School in Bukedea District have joined Uganda’s expanding network of digital innovators following the successful launch and training of the school’s ICT Club. The activity was facilitated by Kisubi Associated Writers Agency (KAWA) under the national ICT Clubs programme supported by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) through the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF)
The programme aims to equip learners with practical digital skills, innovation capacity, and responsible use of technology, enabling them to apply ICT knowledge to real-life challenges and future career opportunities.
A Rural School Driving Digital Learning in Bukedea
Malera Kabarwa Seed Secondary School is located in Malera Sub-county in Bukedea District, within the Teso Sub-Region of Eastern Uganda. The school lies approximately 330 kilometres northeast of Kampala, Uganda’s capital city, and about 15 kilometres from Bukedea Town, the district’s main administrative and commercial centre.
The school serves learners from surrounding rural communities across Malera Sub-county and neighbouring areas. As a government seed secondary school, it plays a key role in expanding access to secondary education in the region.
The ICT Club launch and training were facilitated by Noah Okwalinga, working closely with the school administration led by Headteacher Mr. Okua Robert Nelson. The ICT Club activities are coordinated by Mr. Opolot Emmanuel, the ICT teacher and club patron.
A total of 27 learners participated in the orientation and training session.
Students Show Enthusiasm for Technology and Innovation
Before the training activities began, learners were invited to share their expectations for the ICT Club.
Many students expressed interest in gaining hands-on computer skills beyond classroom learning, while others hoped to learn how to maintain and protect ICT equipment within the school computer laboratory.
Several learners also indicated that they were eager to explore coding, internet research, digital creation, and innovation, while others saw the ICT Club as an opportunity to develop teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Encouraging Responsible Digital Citizenship
During the training, facilitators emphasized that ICT Clubs are designed to nurture responsible digital citizens who can use technology ethically, safely, and creatively.
Learners were encouraged to understand that technology is not only about operating computers but also about developing solutions to real-world challenges within their communities.
Students were also encouraged to actively participate in maintaining ICT equipment and supporting the sustainability of the school computer laboratory.
Practical Digital Skills Training
The training session introduced learners to several key digital skills, including:
- Basic computer maintenance and troubleshooting
- ICT laboratory management and sustainability
- Internet safety and cybersecurity awareness
- Introduction to coding and digital innovation
- Responsible use of digital technologies
These sessions combined presentations, demonstrations, and practical discussions to ensure that learners develop meaningful ICT knowledge that can be applied beyond the classroom.
Students were also introduced to the ICT Clubs online platform — www.ictclubs.ug, where they can access tutorials, digital learning resources, and innovation materials to support continued learning.
Official Launch of the ICT Club
The official launch included a recorded message from Mr. Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission.
In his message, he highlighted the importance of digital skills, innovation, and responsible use of technology among young people, encouraging learners to use ICT clubs as platforms for creativity and community transformation.
The message also helped students appreciate that they are part of a national initiative aimed at building digital capacity in schools across Uganda
Establishing ICT Club Leadership
During the visit, KAWA worked with the school administration and teachers to establish the ICT Club and guide learners in forming a student leadership structure responsible for coordinating club activities.
Student leaders were selected to mobilize members, organize meetings, and promote participation in ICT innovation activities.
The school also received an ICT Club Handbook and a model constitution, which will guide leadership roles, governance, and the organization of club activities throughout the year.
Preparing Students for NCC 2026
Learners were informed that ICT Club members across Uganda are being prepared to participate in the National Conference on Communications (NCC) 2026, where schools will showcase innovative digital projects developed through ICT clubs.
Students were encouraged to start thinking about technology-driven solutions to community challenges, while strengthening collaboration and creativity within the club.
Participation in NCC will provide students with mentorship opportunities, exposure to national ICT initiatives, and opportunities to present their innovations at a national level.
Engagement with School Leadership
The KAWA team also held discussions with the headteacher, ICT Club patron, and other teachers to strengthen institutional support for the ICT Club programme.
The discussions emphasized the importance of regular ICT club meetings, teacher mentorship, and administrative support in ensuring that the club remains active and productive.
Challenges Identified
Despite the successful launch of the ICT Club, several challenges were identified that could affect ICT learning at the school.
These include unreliable power supply, limited ICT infrastructure, limited time allocated for club activities, and varying levels of digital literacy among learners.
Addressing these challenges will be essential to ensure that the ICT Club continues to grow and provide meaningful opportunities for learners.
Recommendations for Strengthening ICT Learning
To strengthen ICT activities at the school, it was recommended that the school administration allocate regular time for ICT club meetings and innovation activities.
Improving ICT infrastructure and ensuring reliable power supply will also help create a sustainable digital learning environment.
Continued mentorship and follow-up training from KAWA in partnership with the Uganda Communications Commission will support learners as they develop digital innovation projects and practical ICT skills.
Expanding Digital Opportunities in Bukedea District
The launch of the ICT Club at Malera Kabarwa Seed Secondary School represents an important milestone in expanding digital learning opportunities for learners in Bukedea District and the wider Teso Sub-Region.
With enthusiastic learners, supportive teachers, and continued collaboration between KAWA and the Uganda Communications Commission, the ICT Club is expected to grow into a vibrant hub for digital innovation and problem solving.
The initiative contributes to Uganda’s broader vision of empowering young people with the digital skills required to participate effectively in the modern world and contribute to national development.
