By Mulengera ReportersThe Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), through the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF), has launched a fresh grant initiative aimed at establishing ICT clubs in 100 secondary schools across Uganda in a bid to strengthen digital skills, innovation and the sustainability of school computer laboratories.The initiative targets secondary schools where UCC/UCUSAF has already established ICT laboratories and seeks to transform the facilities into more active spaces for practical learning, creativity and technology-based problem-solving.UCC says it has established more than 1,400 ICT computer laboratories in secondary schools across all districts of Uganda, providing students with access to computers and digital tools.However, monitoring of the laboratories has identified sustainability challenges, including limited school budgets for ICT resources, inadequate technical skills for operating and maintaining equipment, insufficient technical support and underuse of ICT facilities in teaching and learning.The proposed ICT clubs are intended to help address some of these challenges by giving students greater responsibility for the laboratories while equipping them with practical skills to operate, maintain and make productive use of the facilities.From computer labs to innovation centresUnder the programme, students will go beyond basic computer literacy and participate in practical activities including coding, programming, web design, digital content creation, cybersecurity and multimedia production.The clubs will also be encouraged to develop solutions to real-life challenges within their schools and communities.Among the activities proposed are developing school websites and databases, producing educational videos, creating mobile applications, conducting community research and developing digital learning materials.Students could also establish blogs, YouTube channels and other digital platforms to showcase their work and share learning outcomes.The programme will encourage schools to organize ICT competitions, hackathons and other challenges, while students may also participate in national and international technology events.UCC also wants the clubs to expose students to potential careers and entrepreneurial opportunities by connecting them with industry professionals, university students and other mentors.Students to take responsibility for school ICT labsA key component of the initiative will be training students in the basic maintenance and responsible use of ICT equipment.Club members will be expected to participate in cleaning and maintaining computer laboratories, troubleshooting basic hardware and software problems and promoting proper use of school ICT equipment.Schools will also be encouraged to develop plans for equipment maintenance and upgrading, establish budgets for club activities and encourage students to take ownership of the laboratories.The clubs will operate under constitutions developed with school leadership, defining their objectives, leadership structures, responsibilities and work plans.UCC also proposes giving clubs self-reporting templates to enable students and schools to provide updates on their activities and ICT-related challenges.Digital safety and inclusionThe programme will also place emphasis on online safety, cyberbullying and responsible use of technology, with students expected to learn how to navigate the digital environment safely, ethically and responsibly.The Commission says the clubs should also promote peer learning and teamwork through group projects, mentorship and collaborative activities.Schools may organize basic computer training for teachers, parents and members of surrounding communities as part of efforts to extend the benefits of the facilities beyond students.The initiative will also address cross-cutting issues including gender equality, youth participation and efforts to bridge the digital divide between students in different parts of the country.UCC seeks implementation partnerUCC is inviting qualified organizations to submit proposals to implement the project under a collaborative grant framework.The lead applicant must be a not-for-profit organisation legally established in Uganda, with a mandate to work with secondary schools.Applicants must demonstrate more than three years’ experience working with secondary schools in Uganda, sound financial systems and the capacity to operate in both urban and rural areas.Preference will be given to organizations with qualified in-house personnel, innovative approaches for working in remote areas, contributions beyond the grant funding and proposals demonstrating value for money.Applications will undergo administrative, technical and financial assessment.UCC will consider the applicant’s experience, proposed methodology, project management arrangements, work plan, expected impact, sustainability strategy and ability to mobilize additional resources.Application deadline set for October 12The grant application window runs from 28 September to 12 October 2026.An online pre-grant application meeting is scheduled for 6 October 2026 at 2:00pm.Final applications must be submitted through the UCC online grant application portal by 5:00pm on 12 October 2026.For clarification, applicants can contact UCUSAF on +256 312 339000 or +256 414 339000, or email ucusaf@ucc.co.ug.The initiative is expected to run across the country’s Central, Eastern, Northern and Western regions, with the ultimate goal of making school ICT laboratories more sustainable while giving students practical opportunities to develop technology skills, collaborate, innovate and create solutions to problems in their schools and communities. 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