The American Tower Corporation (ATC), a provider of wireless and broadcast towers in Uganda, in partnership with the government, officially handed over a multimillion Information and Communications Technology (ICT) hub to San Giovanni Senior Secondary School Makiro in Kanungu district on Friday. This initiative aims to enhance digital education in the region.
Dorothy Kabagambe Ssemanda, CEO of ATC Uganda, and Sheilah Mugisha, head of Asset Management, explained that the decision to establish the ICT hub addresses the challenges learners face in accessing ICT lessons due to a lack of computers. Given Kanungu’s remote location, students often find it difficult to compete academically with their peers in urban areas like Kampala.
The hub, equipped with 20 computers and free internet access, will also be available to community members interested in acquiring ICT skills and conducting research at no cost. Additionally, ATC plans to offer free training in basic computer skills and advanced topics such as cybersecurity to teachers at the school. However, they did not disclose the total investment made in establishing the hub or renovating the building.
Denis Tukamushaba, the head teacher, noted that the school, founded in 1984, has struggled due to a lack of government grants for improvements, relying instead on contributions from parents. He believes the new hub will enhance students’ academic performance. Rev. Fr. Locus Kiiza, dean of Makiro parish in Kabale diocese, expressed optimism that the hub will foster improved research opportunities for both students and community members.
Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of Information and National Guidance, stated that with the establishment of the hub, it is now the students’ responsibility to leverage this resource for academic excellence. He countered Tukamushaba’s claims of government neglect, asserting that some teachers are on the government payroll and that the school has consistently received textbooks from the government.