The government is planning to advance its efforts to modernise Uganda’s education system.
However, in the meantime, the Ministry of Education and Sports has issued a directive to schools, halting the use of handheld devices, including mobile phones, until further notice.
This decision comes in the wake of the Ministry’s Digital Agenda Strategy, unveiled in August, which aims to carefully integrate technology into classrooms.
The strategy outlines a phased approach to incorporating electronic tools in a way that enhances learning, without compromising the safety and management of the educational environment.
While many students, parents, and teachers have expressed excitement over the potential of using mobile devices to support the new lower secondary curriculum, the Ministry has stressed that these tools should not be permitted in schools until clear guidelines are established.
The Ministry’s approach seeks to balance the benefits of technology with the need for a secure and well-regulated learning atmosphere, ensuring that the digital transition is rolled out responsibly.
Dr. Denis Mugimba, spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, explained that they are still working on creating clear guidelines for how mobile devices should be used in schools.
These guidelines will outline what everyone involved – schools, teachers, students, parents, internet providers, and device suppliers, needs to do to make this work smoothly.
He stated that until these rules are finalised, students are not allowed to use mobile phones or tablets at school.
Mugimba added that fully integrating digital tools into education will take time and needs to be done step by step to ensure everything works safely and suits the different needs of schools.
During the launch of the Digital Agenda Strategy, Education Minister Janet Museveni acknowledged that while technology like the internet can improve learning, it must be carefully controlled to prevent distractions.
She said if mobile devices are eventually allowed in schools, they must block harmful content and follow strict cybersecurity rules set by government bodies like NITA-U.
Assistant ICT Commissioner Patrick Muinda also noted that creating these guidelines will take time, as they involve many consultations and reviews.
He urged the public to be patient, saying it’s a process that needs to be done in phases.
“People should be reminded that the digital agenda covers much more than just mobile phone use. It’s about improving education through a broader use of technology,” he said.
However, teachers like Ronald Byaruhanga from Mutanogo Primary School in Ntungamo feel the digital agenda may not apply to schools in rural areas.
He pointed out that many rural schools lack basic ICT facilities, like computers or electricity, and teachers may not have the necessary computer skills.
Byaruhanga suggests the Ministry should first focus on improving the current education system, upgrading infrastructure, and training teachers.
The Ministry estimates it will need about Ugx1.3 trillion over seven years to implement the digital agenda, with Ugx187.214 billion required annually to meet its goals.
Ugx1.19 billion will go towards creating localised digital content, updating the curriculum, and training teachers.
The rest will be used to improve access to digital services and internet connectivity across the country.
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