By Nakakande shibah
Students in the lower Secondary Curriculum expressed their need of the internet while in holidays when asked to conduct research about particular topics .
On 22 August , 2024 while the first Lady also State Minister for Education and Sports Janet Museveni addressed Educationalists , she introduced the Digital Agenda Policy to be adopted by schools . She however cautioned schools to have proper monetization of the gadgets used.
On 9 September , 2024 , the Ministry of Education and Sports Dr. Denis Mugimba addressed this concern as people were uncertain on whether this policy is to be implemented following schools opening for third term in the month of September , 2024 .
“ The Ministry is working on policy standards to regulate digital tools in schools.” Said Dr. Denis .
While at the Media Center , Dr. Denis called upon teachers and School accounting officers to prevent students from accessing ineligible content online and block those sites promoting pornography , gambling and other criminal activities
The state Minister for Higher Education John Chrysestom Muyingo urged schools to continue cross checking students for all those suspected to carry mobile phones considered as , ‘ illegals’ . They should be confiscated .
With a few areas able to access internet in Uganda , this agenda is disagreed upon by many educationalists since not many parents own mobile phones .
Some parents in urban areas support this agenda in favor of secondary schools but not primary schools.
For starters , schools should avail computer laboratories , followed by internet to conduct research during the term as the ministry devises means incorporating proper use of the Digital Agenda Policy . Dr. Denis was in support of schools to continue using desktops and computers to avoid complications for parents to purchase for their children gadgets .
The ministry continues to urge parents to regulate their children’s use of gadgets especially mobile phone, tablets , iPads and laptops since they have access to them while at home .