ICT Club Launched at Usuk Secondary School to Strengthen Digital Innovation in Katakwi District
Katakwi District, Teso Sub-Region — February 25, 2026
Students at Usuk Secondary School in Katakwi District have officially joined Uganda’s growing network of technology 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 initiative is designed to equip learners with practical digital skills, innovation capabilities, and responsible use of technology, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and prepare for the opportunities of the digital age.
A Key Learning Institution in Usuk Sub-county
Usuk Secondary School is located in Usuk Sub-county in Katakwi District, within the Teso Sub-Region of Eastern Uganda. The school lies approximately 350 kilometres northeast of Kampala, Uganda’s capital city, and about 30 kilometres from Katakwi Town, the district’s main administrative and commercial centre.
The school serves students from surrounding communities across Usuk Sub-county and neighbouring areas, playing an important role in expanding access to quality secondary education in rural parts of Katakwi District.
The ICT Club launch and training were facilitated by Kyasima Freedom, working closely with the school administration led by Headteacher Mr. Okiror Joseph. The ICT Club activities are coordinated by Mr. Alomu Joseph, the ICT teacher and club patron.
A total of 49 students participated in the orientation and training session, demonstrating strong interest in digital learning and innovation.
Students Express Strong Interest in ICT Skills
Before the training activities began, learners were invited to share their expectations regarding the ICT Club.
Many students expressed interest in gaining practical computer skills beyond classroom learning, while others hoped to learn coding, internet research, and digital content creation.
Several learners also indicated that they expected the ICT Club to help them develop teamwork, leadership abilities, creativity, and problem-solving skills that could prepare them for careers in technology and innovation.
Encouraging Responsible Use of Technology
During the orientation session, facilitators emphasized that ICT Clubs aim to develop responsible digital citizens who can use technology safely, ethically, and productively.
Learners were encouraged to understand that ICT is not only about using computers but also about applying technology to solve real-world challenges within their communities.
Students were also encouraged to take responsibility for maintaining and protecting ICT equipment within the school computer laboratory, strengthening ownership and sustainability of digital resources.
Practical Training in Digital Skills
The training session introduced learners to a range of important 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 and ethical use of technology
These sessions were delivered through presentations, demonstrations, discussions, and practical examples designed to make ICT learning engaging and relevant.
Students were also introduced to the ICT Clubs online platform — www.ictclubs.ug, which provides tutorials, innovation resources, and digital learning materials to support continued engagement with ICT.
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 emphasized the importance of digital literacy, innovation, and responsible technology use among young people, encouraging students to take advantage of ICT Clubs as platforms for learning and creativity.
The message helped students understand that they are part of a national initiative aimed at strengthening digital skills and innovation in Ugandan schools.
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 support the development of innovation projects.
To support the club’s operations, the school also received an ICT Club Handbook and a model constitution, which will guide leadership roles, governance, and participation in club activities.
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 present innovative technology projects developed through ICT clubs.
Students were encouraged to begin thinking creatively about technology-based solutions that can address challenges within their communities.
Participation in NCC will also expose learners to mentorship opportunities, national competitions, and collaboration with other ICT clubs across the country.
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.
These discussions emphasized the need for regular ICT club meetings, teacher mentorship, and active student participation to ensure the sustainability of the initiative.
Challenges Identified
Despite the successful launch of the ICT Club, several challenges were noted that could affect the smooth running of ICT activities 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.
Additional challenges include limited network access for teachers from the staff room, the ICT teacher not being on the official payroll, and malfunctioning keyboards on some laptops previously supplied by NITA-U.
The school administration also suggested relocating the solar battery system and internet access point to the ICT laboratory, as they were previously installed outside the lab environment.
Recommendations for Strengthening ICT Learning
To strengthen the ICT Club programme, the school was encouraged to allocate regular time for ICT Club meetings and innovation activities.
Improving ICT infrastructure and ensuring reliable power supply will help create a sustainable digital learning environment.
Continued mentorship and follow-up training from KAWA in partnership with the Uganda Communications Commission will also support learners in developing meaningful digital innovation projects.
Expanding Digital Opportunities in Katakwi District
The launch of the ICT Club at Usuk Secondary School marks another important step in expanding digital learning opportunities for young people in Katakwi District and the wider Teso Sub-Region.
With enthusiastic students, committed teachers, and continued collaboration between KAWA and the Uganda Communications Commission, the ICT Club is expected to grow into a centre for innovation, creativity, and technology-driven problem solving.
The initiative contributes to a national effort aimed at equipping young Ugandans with the digital skills needed to thrive in the modern world and contribute to Uganda’s development.
