The International Community of Banyakigezi (ICOB Apex) has established a modern ICT e-learning hub at St. Agatha Girls’ Secondary School, Kakore in Rubanda District, an initiative widely appreciated as a turning point for education sector in the area in the era of technology and innovation.
The commissioning ceremony was carried out on Saturday, April 25, 2026 and was officiated by Rubanda District Woman Member of Parliament, Ninsiima Evelyne Kikafunda who represented Hon. Henry Musasizi, State Minister of Finance in charge of General Duties and Member of Parliament for Rubanda East Constituency.
The function attracted a broad cross-section of stakeholders, including Rubanda district officials, school administrators of St. Agatha Girls’ Secondary School Kakore, development partners including ICOB members, teachers, students, and members of the surrounding community. The event displayed growing efforts to bridge the digital divide in rural areas and equip learners with skills required in an increasingly technology-driven world.
The parents and community members described the ICT hub as a long-awaited intervention that will transform learning at the school and beyond. Mr. Wensi Ruyooka, the chairperson Parents -Teachers Association (PTA) said the facility will significantly improve academic standards, noting that learners from rural backgrounds will now have an opportunity to compete with their counterparts in urban schools. He also noted that access to computers and the internet will expose students to a wider pool of knowledge, placing the school on a stronger academic footing both nationally and internationally.
The parents expressed deep appreciation to ICOB Apex for working collaboratively with them, school leadership, and local authorities to bring the project to fruition. They noted that the introduction of the ICT hub has opened up opportunities they had never previously imagined for their children, particularly in research and access to learning materials. They also expressed optimism that the improved learning environment will lead to better academic performance and reduce the challenges that previously hindered effective study of their children.
Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Maniragaba, Parish Priest of Kakore Parish which is the foundation body of the school welcomed the newly established modern ICT e-learning hub, and thanked the ICOB for community engagement and development. He highlighted the role of technology in expanding access to knowledge. He noted that students will now be able to conduct research, access digital books, and attempt academic tasks that were previously limited by lack of resources. Fr. Maniragaba also pointed out that in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and digital innovation, such facilities are essential in preparing learners to compete on a global stage.
Mr. Obed Mutatina Kitabutuka, the Councilor for Bubare Sub County and Rubanda District Secretary for Health and Education, appreciated ICOB Apex for establishing the project which he described as a meaningful contribution to education sector in the region. He appreciated the members of ICOB whose origin is Kigezi but living in diaspora for their continued support and investment in the development of their home communities. He emphasized that the ICT hub is a reflection of forward-thinking leadership and called on other stakeholders to support similar initiatives aimed at promoting modern education, particularly for the girl child.
The Rubanda District Education Officer, Francis Serununu, assured stakeholders that the district leadership is committed to ensuring that the hub is effectively utilized to improve education standards. He noted that deliberate efforts are being made to support teachers through training and capacity building so they can fully integrate ICT into classroom teaching, especially under the current competence-based curriculum.
Serununi emphasized that while the establishment of the ICT hub is a major achievement, its impact will depend on how well it is managed. He urged the school administration to prioritize maintenance of the equipment, ensuring proper handling of the computers, and creating systems that guarantee the facility’s functionality for years. He further described the hub as a potential centre for innovation and academic excellence in Rubanda District and Kigezi region if effectively utilized, especially in promoting digital skills among learners.
Mrs. Kyarimpa Beatrice, the head teacher of St. Agatha Girls’ Secondary School Kakore expressed gratitude to the International Community of Banyakigezi (ICOB) Apex and the Bank of Uganda for supporting the project through the donation of computers. She also appreciated the State Minister of Finance for mobilizing support that contributed to the establishment of the facility.
Kyarimpa noted that the ICT hub will complement the school’s existing learning resources, including its well-stocked library, by providing students with access to digital information, research tools, and modern methods of study. She said the facility will enhance both teaching and learning, enabling students to expand their knowledge beyond traditional classroom materials.
Teachers appreciated the initiative of having the ICT hub in their vicinity noting that the new facility will significantly improve the delivery of lessons under Uganda’s competence-based curriculum. They said that the hub will also strengthen teachers’ ability to conduct in-depth research, enabling them to better prepare lessons and expose learners to a wider range of knowledge beyond textbooks.
ICT teacher Alexander Orikunda said the new development has already eased pressure on both staff and learners. He recalled that in the past, limited computer access created bottlenecks, especially during practical sessions and examinations. With more computers now available, students can access the technology they need without delays, improving both learning efficiency and confidence in handling digital tools.
Students described the ICT hub as a turning point in their academic experience, noting that the current curriculum increasingly requires the use of ICT tools, with many textbooks referring learners to digital platforms for further study. They explained that the new facility has created a more supportive and resourceful learning environment, allowing them to explore subjects in greater depth and complete assignments more effectively.
While commissioning and opening the modern ICT e-learning hub, Ninsiima Evelyn Kikafunda, Woman MP for Rubnda District and ICOB Apex board member delivered apology of Minister Henry Musasizi who was away for official government duties. She welcomed the milestone noting that the hub comes at a time when digital and technological skills are increasingly essential for academic and professional competitiveness. She emphasized the organization’s commitment to expanding access to ICT resources particularly in rural schools.
Hon. Kikafunda said that in 2024, she attended the International Convention of the Banyakigezi (ICOB) on how schools in Kigezi would receive technological support in form of computers and that is how St. Agatha Girls’ S.S Kakore was spotted out. She appreciated the cooperation of the administration, parents and students and the ICOB Apex for the establishment of the ICT hub. She also appreciated Minister Musasizi who made a fundraising drive for the construction of the ICT hub, thanked to the Bank of Uganda which also donated 10 computers that were being used by students before the donation of ICOB Apex had arrived.
She called for proper handling of the facility’s equipment especially computers so that they can help the next generation. She ended up by urging students to effectively exploit the opportunity of being at St. Agatha Girls’ S.S Kakore and advance their technological skills which will help them in competing for placement in the job market.
The commissioning of the ICT e-learning hub is expected to not only enhance academic performance at St. Agatha Girls’ Secondary School Kakore, but also for broader community development. With improved access to digital tools and information, the facility is set to become a centre for learning, research, and innovation in Rubanda District in particular and Kigezi region in general.
