KANUNGU: The Cabinet Minister of ICT and National Guidance Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, has expressed his commitment to expand digital literacy and computer skills training to all schools in Kanungu district.
The Minister made the revelation on Friday, during the official launch of a new ICT hub at San Giovanni School in Makiro in Kanungu District funded by a U.S.-based company “American Tower Corporation (ATC).”
Hon. Min. Dr Chris Baryomunsi said that he is committed to working with the school to revive its academic excellence under ATC initiative aimed at improving computer literacy among students and the wider community.
Also a Kinkizi East Legislator Hon. Dr. Baryomunsi stressed the importance of restoring San Giovanni School to its former prominence, drawing inspiration from the biblical story of David and Goliath, stating that the school must use its existing resources to tackle modern challenges.
“Just as God commanded David to use what he had to defeat Goliath, I lobbied for this ICT center to help San Giovanni Makiro rise again,” said Dr Chris Baryomunsi.
Hon. Min. Dr Chris Baryomunsi further highlighted his strong relationship with ATC, assuring the community that more initiatives would soon follow under the ATC Digital Communities Project like the digital mobile trucks that promote computer literacy, vocational training, sports, and agricultural projects.
The minister added that the school’s ICT center, with an estimated cost of 101 million UGX, will continue receiving support from the Ministry to guarantee its ongoing operations and also urged students to work hard and uphold high standards of discipline, reminding them that they are future leaders.
“The Ministry of ICT will continue to support this school in ensuring its ongoing operations, and for you students you must prepare to take over the leadership from me and other leaders,” Hon. Min. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi added.
Several headteachers in attendance expressed gratitude to the minister for equipping their schools with computers and other essential educational resources like textbooks and scholastic materials.
Sheila Mugisha, an official from ATC, emphasized that the ICT hub at San Giovanni School is part of a broader initiative, with 42 digital hubs established across Uganda.
Dorothy Kabagambe, the Executive Director of ATC Uganda, stressed the hub’s inclusive nature, highlighting that its services are available to all residents of Kanungu District—regardless of age, religion, political affiliation, or tribe—at no cost.
“The internet, training, and other services provided at the San Giovanni ICT hub are completely free and open to anyone willing to join,” Kabagambe affirmed.
Denis Tukamuhabwa, the headteacher of San Giovanni School, thanked the minister and the government for their efforts to raise the school’s standards.
He also appealed to Dr. Baryomunsi for support in completing a multi-complex building that had been started by the parents but abandoned due to the high cost, which is estimated at 5 billion UGX.
Among the dignitaries available at the event were Assistant RDC Emmy Magezi, Kanungu Mayor Godfrey Karabenda, parents, and representatives from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
