Yesterday, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs Janet Museveni, launched a new digital agenda strategy aimed at integrating technology into Uganda’s education system.
The launch event, held at the Hockey Grounds in Lugogo, Kampala, introduced a plan to incorporate devices like tablets and laptops into schools across the country.
This initiative, developed in collaboration with UNICEF, UNESCO, and the United Nations Capital Development Fund, seeks to promote equitable access to education through digital means.
Mrs. Museveni’s Vision
During the launch, Mrs. Museveni emphasized the importance of careful planning in implementing this strategy. She highlighted the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding children as they engage with digital tools.
“We spent a significant amount of time deliberating on how to roll out this agenda while ensuring the safety of our children,” she stated.
The strategy includes strict measures to protect students from harmful online content. All devices provided to schools will be pre-configured to restrict access to non-educational material, ensuring a safe digital learning environment.
The National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U) and the Ministry of ICT will work together to ensure compliance with these security protocols.
The event also marked the handover of nine technical institutes set for expansion, funded by an 85.8 billion shilling grant from the Islamic Development Bank.
These institutes, located across various districts, will be enhanced with modern technology to support fields such as construction, agriculture, electronics, and hospitality.
Why Now?
Mrs Museveni explained that this strategy is the culmination of extensive research and collaboration since 2020.
She noted the significant role that technology and the internet play in ensuring consistent and accessible education, particularly in light of disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The digital agenda, she added, will enable the education sector to keep pace with global technological advancements and transform education delivery in Uganda.
The First Lady also emphasized the importance of cybersecurity in this digital transition. She acknowledged the lessons learned from the pandemic, which underscored the need for robust digital and remote learning solutions.
The Financial Commitment
The implementation of the digital agenda is projected to cost the Ugandan government approximately 1.31 trillion shillings over the next seven years, with an annual expenditure of 187.2 billion shillings.
The government plans to equip government-aided schools with computers and establish internet connectivity infrastructure.
Dr. Janet Egau Okou, the acting permanent secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports, highlighted that this strategy aligns with Uganda’s national digital transformation roadmap, particularly its focus on digital skills development.
Parental Involvement and International Comparisons
While some high-end and international schools in Uganda have embraced mobile devices, many government-aided schools have strict bans on them.
However, this strategic shift will allow parents to provide mobile gadgets for educational purposes in both primary and secondary schools.
Uganda is following in the footsteps of countries like Rwanda and Norway, where tablets are already being used in primary schools to enhance digital literacy.
Dr. Munir Safieldin, UNICEF’s representative to Uganda, emphasized that the strategy is a key step towards realizing Uganda’s Vision 2040, equipping the youth with the digital skills necessary for future employment.
A Word of Caution to Parents
Mrs Museveni called on parents to monitor their children’s use of digital devices at home.
She urged parents to regulate ICT use, particularly at night, to ensure children are not exposed to inappropriate content.
“It may be necessary to consider parenting seminars to help parents understand their role in managing their children’s access to technology,” she suggested, noting that many parents are unaware of what their children are doing on these devices in their bedrooms.
