Kanungu District Goes Digital to Enhance E-learning in Schools.
The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, officially launched a new ICT hub at San Giovanni School in Makiro, Kanungu District, on September 27, 2024. Funded by the American Tower Corporation (ATC), this initiative aims to improve computer literacy among students and the wider community.
During his opening remarks, Dr. Baryomunsi stressed the importance of restoring San Giovanni School to its former prominence. He drew inspiration from the biblical story of David and Goliath, stating that the school must use its existing resources to tackle modern challenges. “Just as God commanded David to use what he had to defeat Goliath, I lobbied for this ICT center to help San Giovanni Makiro rise again,” the minister explained.
Dr. Baryomunsi highlighted his strong relationship with ATC, assuring the community that more initiatives would soon follow under the ATC Digital Communities Project. ATC, a U.S.-based company primarily involved in operating network masts in Uganda, has spearheaded various initiatives, including digital mobile trucks that promote computer literacy, vocational training, sports, and agricultural projects in the constituency.
The minister also pledged to support San Giovanni School by resuming construction on a long-delayed multidisciplinary hall and working to secure more government-paid teaching staff for the institution. He urged the students to work hard and uphold high standards of discipline, reminding them that they are future leaders. “You must prepare to take over the leadership from me and other leaders,” he said.
The ICT center, with an estimated cost of 101 million UGX, will continue receiving support from the Ministry of ICT to ensure its ongoing operations. The Ministry also committed to providing additional resources for infrastructure improvements, including water tanks, modern latrines, and funding for trainers who will operate the facility.
Dr. Baryomunsi further expressed his commitment to working with the school to revive its academic excellence. He assured the Kanungu community of his plans to expand digital literacy and computer skills training to all schools in the district, leveraging his role as head of the ICT Ministry.
Several headteachers in attendance expressed gratitude to the minister for equipping their schools with computers and other essential educational resources such as textbooks and scholastic materials.
Sheila Mugisha, an official from ATC, emphasized that the ICT hub at San Giovanni School is part of a broader initiative, with 42 digital hubs established across Uganda. Dorothy Kabagambe, the Executive Director of ATC Uganda, stressed the hub’s inclusive nature, highlighting that its services are available to all residents of Kanungu District—regardless of age, religion, political affiliation, or tribe—at no cost.
“The internet, training, and other services provided at the San Giovanni ICT hub are completely free and open to anyone willing to participate,” Kabagambe affirmed.
Denis Tukamuhabwa, the headteacher of San Giovanni School, thanked the minister and the government for their efforts to raise the school’s standards.
He also appealed to Dr. Baryomunsi for support in completing a multi-complex building that had been started by the parents but abandoned due to the high cost, which is estimated at 5 billion UGX.
Tukamuhabwa reassured the gathered officials, parents, and staff of his commitment to bringing the school to new heights through teamwork.
In response, Dr. Baryomunsi pledged to mobilize government and other resources to complete the building project.
Among the dignitaries present at the event were Assistant RDC Emmy Magezi, Kanungu Mayor Godfrey Karabenda, parents, and representatives from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
