Introduction

The Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) has been progressively expanding the education system to provide equitable access and quality education for all citizens. Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) supports government efforts by undertaking activities including towards helping education institutions to adopt and use Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance teaching and learning experiences. Through such efforts, the Commission has established Computer Laboratories in Secondary Schools through the Uganda Communications Universal Service Access Fund (UCUSAF).

Accordingly, UCC through UCUSAF has launched a call for proposals to establish a collaboration in the implementation of key activities to establish Information and Communication (ICT) clubs in secondary schools where the Commission through UCUSAF established ICT laboratories.

UCC set aside resources to be utilized under a collaborative grant framework with a suitable partner to implement the project. These funds are available within the operational budget for the Financial Year 2026/2027.

Specific objectives

1. To ensure that school ICT Labs are sustainable by equipping students with skills that enable them to operate the labs in line with best practices of ICT equipment operation.
2. To empower students and increase their ownership and responsibility for the ICT computer laboratories and develop their capacity for maintaining the labs.
3. To equip students with practical ICT and multimedia skills through hands-on activities such as coding, programming, web design and digital content creation exceeding the regular curriculum.
4. To provide a platform for students to directly engage with UCC/UCSAF on ICT matters in their schools and develop the capacity for self-monitoring thus reducing the need for routine monitoring visits to schools. Clubs shall be given self-reporting templates.
5. To spur and nurture innovations as the Commission intends to annually recognize and support students with outstanding ICT skills and ICT innovations from secondary schools.
6. To raise awareness about online safety, cyberbullying, and responsible use of technology, while teaching students to use various digital tools and navigate the online world effectively, responsibly, ethically, and safely.
7. To offer opportunities for students to connect and collaborate with peers from other schools or even internationally through online platforms.
8. To help students develop and improve their technology skills through providing hands-on, real-world experiences and industry-specific skills, connecting their ICT knowledge to various career paths and entrepreneurial ventures.
9. To encourage peer learning and collaboration, fostering teamwork and communication skills through group projects and activities.
10. To encourage students to approach problems creatively and develop analytical skills through troubleshooting hardware and software issues.
11. To bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge in the classroom and practical application using technology.

Project Key Output Actions

1. Establish and operationalize ICT clubs in 100 secondary schools, with clear leadership structures, constitutions, work plans and activity records.
2. Train students in practical ICT skills, including coding, programming, web design, digital content creation, cybersecurity and computer maintenance.
3. Support clubs to develop innovative digital solutions such as school websites, databases, mobile applications, instructional materials and community-focused projects.
4. Promote peer learning, mentorship, ICT competitions, community outreach and collaboration with industry professionals and other schools.
5. Strengthen sustainability through equipment maintenance plans, resource mobilization, integration with school programmes, regular monitoring and progress reporting.

Target Group

100 secondary schools where UCC/UCSAF has already provided ICT computer labs across the country.

Application Timeline

The grant application is open from 10th August to 21st August 2026. A pre-grant application meeting will be held online on 17th August 2026 at 2:00 pm. Advance registration is required at:
https://teams.microsoft.com/l/mest31204331912192?c=PS30QeKUOCzdUa49y

For further clarification or guidance on the grant application process, please contact telephone +256 312 339000 or +256 414 339000 or email ucsaf@ucco.org

Final applications should be submitted online through the link below: https://reserviocs.ucco.org/web/ by 5:00pm 21st August 2026