Katakwi| MTN Uganda and American Tower Corporation have provided relief to Ongongoja secondary school in Katakwi district by installing facilities worth shs250 million.
The facilities include a fully furnished computer lab, 80 solar panels, a water source, a kitchen structure, and an internet booster. The computer lab’s goal is to reduce computer illiteracy and improve digital access in rural communities.
MTN Uganda believes that everyone deserves a modern connected life, and computer labs serve as a springboard for educators seeking to transform traditional instruction and equip students with tech skills required in today’s rapidly changing job market.
Sylvia Mulinge, CEO of MTN Uganda, emphasised the importance of this year’s initiative, citing the limited access to ICT in rural schools and the need to incorporate technology into learning.
“While access to ICT equipment remains a significant challenge for students in rural areas, MTN Uganda is committed to transforming this landscape, one school at a time, by providing computers and ensuring constant access to electricity.
“By integrating technology into learning environments, we are actively narrowing the digital divide and demonstrating our commitment to providing digital solutions for Uganda’s progress,” said Mulinge.
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This year’s MTN Y’ello Care campaign has already benefited several institutions, including Kansanga Seed Secondary School in Kampala, St. Joseph’s Aid Society in Kyankwanzi district, and Ariwa Secondary School in Yumbe.
In Kalangala district, Bishop Dunstan Nsubuga Memorial School and Nekemeya Seed Secondary School are among the upcoming beneficiaries.
Beyond this campaign, MTN Uganda continues to improve educational outcomes through initiatives such as the MTN Skills Academy and MTN ACE, which develop digital skills required in today’s job market.
She said the MTN Digital Access Program is aimed at skilling Ugandan youths for the 2lst-century job market by enabling them to access technical and vocational information online through open education resources for skills development.
MTN donation comes at the time the Uganda government is fast-tracking its 2040 digital vision to empower its citizens to achieve the goals of universal inclusion, sustainable development, economic progress and poverty eradication through digital innovation combining initiatives across multiple.
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Stephen Okweny, the headteacher of Ongogonja Secondary School, is optimistic about the school’s improvements, believing that new facilities such as power, internet, and a water source will attract both students and teachers.
He anticipates that these improvements will lead to better performance, aiming for over 10 students achieving first-grade results this year.
According to Angella Atim, Katakwi district Education Officer, Ongongoja Secondary School, a government-aided institution in Ongongoja sub-county, Katakwi district, serves 735 students (419 boys and 316 girls) and is the area’s only secondary school participating in the Universal Secondary Education programme.
Dorothy Semanda, CEO of American Tower Corporation-Uganda (ATC), a provider of wireless and broadcast towers, believes that forming partnerships leads to success.
She mentions that the installation of 80 solar panels will serve several functions, including powering computers, pumping water from the source to distribution points, and supplying electricity to the laboratory block rooms.
She also encourages parents to prioritise education by enrolling their children in school and creating a conducive learning environment, emphasising that educating students is critical to developing future leaders.
Geoffrey Omolo, the LC5 of Katakwi district, acknowledges that solar power has been a significant relief for the district, especially since the power grid has yet to reach many rural sub-counties under the government’s rural electrification program.
He applauds MTN and ATC for their contribution in providing state-of-the-art computer technology that enables teachers to conduct research on the latest curriculum and content, enhancing their teaching methods and educational delivery.
Paul Walakira, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Katakwi, expresses hope that the improved facilities will now attract teachers to remain in their positions.
He notes that previously, some teachers left the school due to its inadequate conditions and remote location.
Walakira acknowledges that this attitude has hindered the progress of the education sector, as some employees initially join these rural community schools with the intent of getting onto the government payroll, only to leave soon after.
Geoffrey Katamba, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Katakwi, urges MTN to enhance their network coverage to improve connectivity between communities and bolster security.
Katamba highlights that the district continues to face challenges from cattle rustlers, and the poor network coverage hampers effective communication.
He explains that the delay in communication from local communities, whose animals are stolen, sometimes prevents the army from recovering the stolen livestock in a timely manner.
Vice President Jessica Alupo, serving as the chief guest at the handover ceremony, affirmed the government’s commitment to collaborating with development partners to advance digitization efforts.
In a message delivered by the Karenga District RDC, Alupo urged the MTN Uganda Foundation to address the district’s request for improved network coverage.
She emphasised that enhanced connectivity is crucial for facilitating security operations and overall community connectivity in the district.
By Robert Edwomu.
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