Luwero Secondary School — SOMANEX: From Screens to Success in Science Learning

In a digital era where access to quality education defines future opportunities, a team of young innovators from Luwero Secondary School has created a groundbreaking solution to bridge Uganda’s persistent gap in science education. Their project, SOMANEX – From Screens to Success, is transforming how students learn science and prepare for university by turning screens into practical, interactive learning experiences.

For decades, Ugandan students—especially those in rural areas—have struggled with inadequate access to well-equipped science laboratories and hands-on learning tools. Studies reveal that over 65% of students in rural schools lack the resources needed for meaningful science experiments, forcing teachers to rely heavily on theoretical explanations. This lack of practical exposure has not only made science subjects intimidating for many learners but has also led to poor performance in national exams and limited university readiness.

SOMANEX.site emerges as a revolutionary digital platform designed to address this challenge. Built by the brilliant ICT team from Luwero S.S., the system combines science simulations, interactive quizzes, and career guidance tools into one accessible hub. Through SOMANEX, students can explore automated experiment generators, video-based science demonstrations, and virtual labs that replicate real experiments with precision and excitement. The platform transforms science lessons from abstract concepts into visual, experiential learning.

But SOMANEX doesn’t stop there. It introduces university readiness tools such as a Course Matcher, helping students identify career paths aligned with their interests and performance, and a Scholarship Finder to guide them toward financial support opportunities. Students also gain access to digital textbooks, past papers, and topical quizzes that help them self-assess progress. A leaderboard system adds a competitive edge, motivating learners to stay active and consistent in their studies.

The project’s measurable impact is already visible. Before SOMANEX, only about 20% of students had access to practical science activities and structured career guidance. After its introduction, those numbers have soared to over 80% for practical access and 90% for career confidence. These improvements demonstrate how digital tools can close the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, leading to better performance and deeper understanding of STEM concepts.

Behind this innovation is a talented and dedicated team:

• Gach Peter, the lead developer who architected the system’s structure;
• Namuyanja Monica, the researcher ensuring alignment with the Ugandan curriculum;
• Sengooba Peter, the editor who refined content for clarity and accuracy; and
• Benbella Oscar, the UI/UX designer responsible for the platform’s intuitive, learner-friendly interface.

Their collaboration reflects the very essence of the Competence-Based Curriculum—problem-solving through creativity, teamwork, and innovation.

The SOMANEX platform is built on a WordPress + MySQL + Tailwind CSS framework, hosted on a scalable cloud server via Hostinger, ensuring stability and accessibility even for schools with limited infrastructure. The roadmap is ambitious yet realistic: by 2025, the team aims to partner with over 100 Ugandan schools; by 2026, launch an Android mobile app to reach learners on smartphones; and by 2027, integrate AI-powered personalized learning paths that adapt to each student’s strengths and weaknesses. In the following years, the platform plans to expand into Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania, connecting East African learners under one digital science ecosystem.

The project’s sustainability model combines school setup fees, partnerships with NGOs and the Ministry of Education, and advertising and premium content to maintain continuous growth. SOMANEX also trains teachers and ICT club members in digital content management, ensuring long-term autonomy and resilience even in low-resource environments.

More importantly, SOMANEX aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan (NDP IV) and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). It represents a homegrown solution that addresses one of the nation’s biggest educational challenges—bridging the gap between knowledge and practical experience through digital innovation.

As one of the developers said during the project showcase, “We are turning screens into success stories.” Indeed, SOMANEX is not just a learning platform—it is a movement redefining how Ugandan students engage with science, dream about their futures, and prepare to lead in a technology-driven world.