Uganda Launches the 9th National Conference on Communications (NCC 2025)

Uganda has officially launched the 9th Edition of the National Conference on Communications (NCC 2025), an annual gathering that brings together innovators, researchers, ICT clubs, and policymakers to celebrate progress in digital transformation and communications technology.

The conference will take place on 2–3 October 2025, jointly hosted by ISBAT University (Kampala) and Gulu University (Northern Uganda). At the launch event, officials from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) highlighted the conference’s role in shaping the future of ICT in Uganda, with this year’s edition placing a special spotlight on youth-led innovation and ICT clubs across the country.

What UCC Officials Said

The UCC Executive Director emphasized that NCC 2025 is more than just an academic conference—it is a national showcase of Uganda’s digital potential.

He noted:

• The event will feature over 200 ICT Clubs funded by UCC and UCUSAF (Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund).
• These clubs will present innovative projects addressing real-life challenges in education, agriculture, energy, environment, and health.
• The competitions leading up to the conference are designed to ensure regional inclusion, giving students from across Uganda the opportunity to present their ideas on a national stage.

He applauded schools and universities for their creativity and challenged learners to think beyond the competition—towards building sustainable solutions that impact their communities.

Road to the Conference – Regional Competitions

Before the grand finale, regional competitions will be held in September 2025:

• Eastern Region – Busoga College Mwiri, 19th September
• Western Region – Mbarara High School, 22nd September
• Northern Region – Gulu University, 26th September
• Central Region – ISBAT University, 30th September

The winners from each region will represent their schools at the grand finale during NCC 2025.

Spotlight on Host Universities

ISBAT University (International School of Business and Technology) – Kampala

ISBAT University is one of Uganda’s leading institutions for applied ICT and innovation. Known for its strong emphasis on engineering, information technology, and business education, the university has nurtured student-led startups and digital innovations that have gained recognition across East Africa.

Hosting the Central Region competitions and the main conference events in Kampala, ISBAT University will provide state-of-the-art facilities for showcasing research, exhibitions, and keynote addresses from leading ICT experts.

Gulu University – Northern Uganda

Gulu University is a public institution at the heart of Northern Uganda’s post-war recovery, with a mission to drive community transformation through education, research, and innovation. Its programs in science, agriculture, and ICT are tailored to solving regional and national challenges.

By co-hosting NCC 2025, Gulu University will not only spotlight Northern Uganda’s growing ICT ecosystem but also provide a platform for students and innovators to connect their projects with real community needs.

ICT Clubs Showcase – Students at the Center

Over 200 ICT Clubs across Uganda are already preparing groundbreaking projects. A few highlights from submissions include:

1. Aduku SS (Kwania) – Time Master: Smart School Bell & Announcement System
2. Mbazzi Riverside High School (Mpigi) – Jubrah Academy: Digital Library Solution
3. Soroti SS (Soroti City) – Assistive Aided Listening Device, Energy-Free Generator, Motor-Powered Generator
4. Bubangizi SS (Mitooma) – Online Voting System for Transparent Elections
5. Kiziba High School (Rakai) – Electric Generator – Green Energy for Schools
6. Luwero SS (Luwero) – SOMANEX: Digital Science Education Platform
7. Kinyogoga Seed SS (Nakaseke) – Bicycle-Powered Electric Lighting & AgriSente Hub
8. Kiira College Butiki (Jinja) – FRAIMS AI: Curriculum Integration Tool
9. Bishop Kivengere Girls’ School Muyebe (Kabale) – Anti-Rust Chemical, Smoke Absorber, Carbon Air Purifier
10. Butogota Trinity College (Kanungu) – Digital Market Linkage System for Farmers
11. Kongunga High School (Bukedea) – AI-Powered Lie Detection System
12. Kashenshero Girls SS (Mitooma) – Student Blogging System
13. Timbitwire Girls’ School (Bushenyi) – File Bob: Secure File Management System
14. Bishop Ogez High School (Bushenyi) – School Management System
15. St. Kagwa High School (Bushenyi) – Traffic Offense Management System
16. St. Mary’s Vocational Kyamuhunga (Bushenyi) – SmartServe Online Waiter Ordering App
17. Dr. Obote College Boroboro (Lira City) – AgriMac.com, Obote Medical Assistant Robot, Environ Game, Readstream AI
18. St. Peter’s College Warr Girls’ SS (Zombo) – Information Bridge Communication Platform
19. Francis Ayume Memorial SS (Koboko) – Smart Attendance System (QR-Based)
20. Kojja SS (Mukono) – AgriLink: All-in-One Farming Platform
21. Kotido SS (Kotido) – Digital Builders – ICT Skills Development
22. Mbale SS (Mbale City) – Smart ICT-Enabled Simple Water Purifier
23. Sekanyonyi SS (Mityana) – Drug Awareness Digital Presentation
24. Chawente SS (Kwania) – DigiFarm UG – Smart Agricultural Support Platform
25. St. Andrew Kaggwa Gombe High School (Kampala) – The Hologram: 3D Learning for Physics, Chemistry & Maths
26. Arua Public SS (Arua) – Eco-Friendly Excavator Tractor Model (Recycling & ICT)
27. Lira Town College (Lira) – Leblango AI Translator – Language Preservation Tool
28. Airforce SS (Wakiso) – Hydroponic Farming System for Food Security
29. Wakiso School for the Deaf (Wakiso) – Digital Sign-to-Text Communication Board
30. Kalinabiri SS (Kampala) – Ultrasonic Mosquito Repellent for Malaria Control
31. St. Johns SS Nalongo Seed (Luwero) – Interactive School Website for E-Learning
32. St. Charles Lwanga SS Kasasa (Kalungu) – Solar Drier with Digital Sensors
33. Bukokho Seed SS (Namisindwa) – Making Pavers Using Plastic Bottles with 3D Prototyping
34. Entebbe SS (Wakiso) – Hospital Management System (HMS)
35. Arua Public SS (Arua) – Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products (ICT-supported)

These projects, and many more, demonstrate how young innovators are using ICT to solve Uganda’s most pressing challenges—from power outages to digital inclusion, from environmental sustainability to agriculture.

Why NCC 2025 Matters

NCC 2025 will serve as a bridge between universities, schools, industry, and government. It will:

• Showcase cutting-edge research from universities.
• Present student-led ICT projects from across Uganda.
• Provide networking opportunities for innovators, policymakers, and industry players.
• Inspire the next generation of Ugandan digital leaders and entrepreneurs.
• Conclusion

As Uganda prepares for the 9th National Conference on Communications, the excitement is already building. From regional competitions in September to the grand finale in October, NCC 2025 promises to be a landmark event in shaping the nation’s ICT future.

With ISBAT University and Gulu University as co-hosts, and the backing of UCC and UCUSAF, the stage is set for a celebration of innovation, inclusivity, and digital transformation driven by young minds.