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 Ugandan children. To complement these efforts, the Universal Service and Access Fund (UCC/UCUSAF) has initiated the implementation of ICT Clubs in Secondary Schools as a mechanism to promote the integration of ICT in teaching and learning. This aligns with the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) commitments to enhance learning outcomes and equip students with the digital literacy skills required for the 21st-century workforce. The project aims to equip 100 secondary schools with practical ICT and multimedia skills that enhance the employability, promote innovation, and support the development of Uganda's digital economy.

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

To ensure that school ICT Labs are sustainable by equipping beneficiaries with the knowledge to operate the labs in line with best practices of ICT equipment operation.

To empower students and increase their ownership and responsibility for the ICT computer laboratories and develop their capacity for maintaining the labs.

To equip students with practical ICT and multimedia skills through hands-on training in areas such as coding, programming, web design and digital content creation.

To provide a platform for students to directly engage with UCC/UCUSAF 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.

To spur and nurture innovations as the Commission intends to annually recognize and support students with outstanding innovations.

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.

To create opportunities for the schools to connect and collaborate with peers from other schools or even internationally through online platforms.

To help students develop and improve their technology skills through providing hands-on, real-world experiences and projects that encourage them to explore and experiment with various career paths and entrepreneurial ventures.

To encourage peer learning and collaboration, fostering teamwork and communication skills through group projects and activities.

To encourage students to approach problems creatively and develop analytical skills through troubleshooting hardware and software issues.

To bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge in the classroom and practical application using technology.

Project Key Output Actions

Establish and operationalize ICT clubs in 100 secondary schools, with clear leadership structures, constitution, work plans and activity records.

Train students in practical ICT skills, including coding, programming, web design, digital content creation, graphics design, and computer-aided design.

Support clubs to develop innovative digital solutions such as school websites, databases, mobile applications, instructional materials and community-focused projects.

Promote peer learning, mentorship, ICT competitions, community outreach and collaboration with industry professionals and other schools.

Strengthen sustainability through equipment maintenance, ICT integration in school planning, clubs' management, regular monitoring and progress reporting.

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

Application Timeline
The grant application is open effective 28th September – 12th October 2026.

An online Pre – grant Application meeting on Teams will be held on 6th October 2026 at 2:00pm. Meeting link to join here below: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_326392440337814167%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22b9c7ce8a-7e57-4e8f-9b47-7c0e7b8c22a9%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%228b75a6ee-077f-459d-a5ce-2bff00f76111%22%7d

Participants should register in advance for this meeting using the link in the detailed document.

For further clarification or guidance on the grant application process, please contact telephone +256 312 339000 or +256 414 339000 or email ucusal@ucc.co.ug.

Final applications should be submitted online through the link below https://services.ucc.co.ug/web/ by 5:00pm 12th October 2026.