Ruhindi Lobbies UCC for ICT Support at Luzira Secondary School

Nakawa East Member of Parliament Hon. Fredrick Ruhindi has delivered 10 computers and other ICT equipment to Luzira Secondary School in Kampala in a joint effort with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director, Hon. Nyombi Thembo, to strengthen digital learning and improve access to technology at the institution.

The donation, which includes a heavy-duty printer and a router, is intended to enhance the teaching of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), support students' research and equip learners with essential digital skills in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Speaking during the handover, Ruhindi commended the government for its continued investment in the school's infrastructure, noting that the institution had undergone significant improvements through the construction of new buildings and other facilities.

He observed that Luzira Secondary School currently has more than 3,000 students, making continued investment in infrastructure and learning resources essential to accommodate its growing population.

"As we speak now, the students in this school are more than 3,000. That is a great compliment to the school, and you can see the new buildings. I want to thank the government for improving this school to this extent in my constituency," Ruhindi said.

The legislator also expressed gratitude to UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo for extending ICT support to the school, describing the donation as an important contribution towards preparing learners for the demands of the modern world.

He noted that the 10 computers would supplement the school's existing ICT facilities, providing students with additional opportunities to acquire practical computer skills.

Ruhindi emphasised that digital literacy had become increasingly important, particularly with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies.

"This is the way to go because this is a new era. This is a new digital era with AI, and, of course, the students must actually learn how to be computer literate in order to navigate the circumstances of the day," he said.

He further encouraged stakeholders to continue supporting educational institutions through the provision of essential learning materials and facilities to ensure that learners are adequately prepared for future opportunities.

The donation comes at a time when schools are increasingly embracing technology to support teaching, learning and research, particularly under Uganda's competency-based curriculum, which places emphasis on practical skills, independent learning and problem-solving.

Luzira SS Headteacher Applauds Ruhindi and UCC

Luzira Secondary School Headteacher, Peter Hormisdas Ssenyimba, applauded Ruhindi for his continued support towards the institution, describing him as a dependable partner who has consistently championed the school's development. Ssenyimba, who described Luzira Secondary School as "the hidden treasure in the capital city of Uganda", thanked the government, the area legislator and other stakeholders for their contributions towards improving the learning environment.

He particularly commended Ruhindi for his physical presence at the school and his efforts in lobbying for additional learning facilities, including the latest consignment of computers.

"I wish to extend our appreciation to our area MP, Hon. Fredrick Ruhindi, for partnering with us, for being there for us, for being a good steward and rendering the school all the support. He is always here physically, but he has also gone a long way in lobbying," Ssenyimba said.

The headteacher confirmed that the school had received 10 brand-new computers, a heavy-duty printer and a router, which will strengthen ICT instruction and facilitate research among learners.

He explained that the equipment had come at a particularly important time when schools were implementing the competency-based curriculum, which requires learners to undertake more research and develop practical skills. 

"We are in the competency-based curriculum, where we really need learners to carry out a lot of research. So you cannot carry out research without these gadgets. We therefore appreciate the Government of Uganda and UCC for the support," he said.

Ssenyimba added that the new equipment would help teachers and students improve access to digital learning resources while creating more opportunities for independent research and practical ICT training.

School Population Exceeds 3,300 Learners

The headteacher revealed that Luzira Secondary School currently has a population of 3,330 students, a figure that continues to put pressure on the institution's available infrastructure and other learning facilities.

He noted that although the government had made considerable investments in improving the school's infrastructure, the rapid increase in enrolment had created a mismatch between the available facilities and the number of learners.

According to Ssenyimba, the school has continued to receive support from parents, well-wishers, sister schools, private companies and other partners to address some of the challenges associated with its growing population.

He said the school management had also embarked on expanding its facilities in collaboration with the government and other stakeholders to accommodate more learners and improve the teaching and learning environment.

"We appreciate the effort made by the government, as well as the voluntary contributions made by parents, well-wishers, friends, sister schools and different companies. We shall continue our journey towards a better horizon because we believe that we must endure for excellence," he said.

Ssenyimba disclosed that Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) had also contributed Shs5 million towards the construction of a new classroom floor, further demonstrating the importance of partnerships in addressing the school's infrastructure needs.

He commended the various stakeholders for responding to the institution's needs, noting that government alone could not immediately address every infrastructure challenge facing schools, given the competing demands across the country.

The headteacher consequently appealed to more partners, individuals and organisations to join hands with the school management in expanding its facilities and improving the quality of education.

Call for Collective Support to Education

Ssenyimba emphasised that investing in education was a collective responsibility, urging parents, government agencies, private companies and other development partners to work together to provide learners with the necessary resources.

He said the school's ultimate goal was to nurture, guide, counsel and prepare young people to become responsible citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to Uganda's future development.

He also reiterated the school's commitment to pursuing academic excellence despite the challenges associated with its growing enrolment and limited facilities.

The headteacher expressed optimism that continued collaboration between the school, government and other stakeholders would enable Luzira Secondary School to expand its infrastructure and improve the quality of education offered to its learners.

The donation of the computers and other ICT equipment highlights the growing importance of public-private and institutional partnerships in supporting Uganda's education sector, particularly as schools adapt to technology-driven teaching methods and the demands of the competency-based curriculum.

For Luzira Secondary School, the latest support provides additional digital learning resources as the institution continues to expand its facilities to serve its growing student population.