KCCA EQUIPS CITY SCHOOLS WITH COMPUTERS TO ACCELERATE DIGITAL LEARNING

A teacher preparing tomorrow's lesson. A pupil discovering the world beyond the classroom through digital learning. A head teacher submitting reports more efficiently.

These are some of the everyday moments that will be transformed as the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) continues investing in technology for public education.

KCCA has handed over 32 computers and printers to public primary schools across Kampala, marking the first phase of a procurement that will see 60 of the city's 79 public primary schools equipped with modern ICT tools.

The computers were officially handed over to head teachers at City Hall by KCCA Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi, who said digital technology has become indispensable in shaping the future of education.

"We are living in the age of the internet and artificial intelligence. IT is no longer a luxury; it is a tool for learning, teaching and research," Kigenyi said.

He noted that the country's future professionals begin their educational journey in primary school, making it important to expose learners to technology from an early age by first empowering their teachers.

"They do not become doctors at A-Level. They begin that journey in primary school," he said. "We are liberating the children of Kampala by first equipping their teachers with the skills and tools they need."

Each beneficiary school received a computer and printer to strengthen teaching, learning and school administration. The equipment will support teachers in preparing digital schemes of work, accessing National Curriculum Development Centre-approved teaching resources, setting examinations, conducting research and improving reporting and accountability.

For learners, the investment opens new opportunities to build digital literacy and develop the skills increasingly required in today's knowledge-based economy.

KCCA Director of Education and Social Services Charles Maginot said integrating ICT into education is central to improving learning outcomes and ensuring schools keep pace with the changing demands of the education sector.

"The transformation of education lies in embracing ICT," Maginot said. "Technology is critical in improving learning, teaching and research in our schools. We are confident these computers will significantly enhance the quality of education."

He said the initiative supports the Ministry of Education and Sports' digitalization agenda and will enable teachers to adopt innovative approaches that enrich classroom learning.

Executive Secretary for Social Services Dr. Judith Nalukwago commended KCCA for prioritizing investments that directly support teachers and learners.

"In this generation, computer skills and academic excellence go hand in hand," she said. "These computers should not remain locked away or gather cobwebs. They should be put to good use to transform teaching and learning."

She encouraged head teachers to ensure the equipment becomes part of everyday classroom practice so that learners fully benefit from the investment.

The computers also come with printers, providing schools with essential tools for preparing learning materials, producing assessments, managing records and strengthening communication with education stakeholders.

The 32 computers are the first batch of a total of 60 computer sets that KCCA is procuring for public primary schools across the city. Once the exercise is complete, 60 of Kampala's 79 public primary schools will have benefited from the initiative.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer