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By Lazaro Apunyo-Moroto
Moroto Core Primary Teachers College (PTC) on 20th/ May 2026 officially launched a state-of-the-art ICT Digital Hub, funded by the Government of Ireland through UNICEF. This facility marks a significant milestone in enhancing digital infrastructure for teacher education in Uganda, particularly in the underserved Karamoja region.
The hub is equipped with 40 desktop computers, two laptops, one projector, high-speed fiber internet connectivity, and a fully furnished modern conference room. It will support blended learning, distance education, and professional development for tutors and student teachers.
Strategic Importance for Karamoja Region
Established in 1963 by the Government of Uganda, Moroto Core PTC is the primary teacher training institution serving the entire Karamoja sub-region. It covers nine districts and two municipalities, supported by 13 coordinating centers. The college trains diploma students affiliated with Kyambogo University and the Uganda National Institute for Teacher Education (UNITE).
Karamoja faces acute challenges in education and digital access, making this donation particularly well-suited. The sub-region records Uganda’s lowest literacy rate, at approximately 30.4% (compared to the national average of 76.1%), with even lower figures reported in some assessments (around 25% or below in certain studies). Internet usage stands at only about 5% of the population, with just 13% mobile phone ownership—far below national and urban figures.
These gaps are compounded by limited electricity access, poor infrastructure, and vast geographic distances, which hinder traditional in-person training. The new ICT hub directly addresses these barriers by enabling blended and distance learning models. Tutors and trainees can now access resources, participate in online sessions, and connect with peers across Uganda’s 23 core PTCs without extensive travel, reducing costs and improving equity.
The school Principal Banan Steven Kamusongwe highlighted the institution’s pioneering role: “This is the first modal ICT Hub of its kind in the country and will serve as a model for all teacher training institutions.” He emphasized that the facility will equip teachers with ICT skills for modern pedagogy, including the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and projector-based instruction, adding that the college will establish clear usage policies to ensure sustainability of the equipment.
Kamusongwe stated that the teaching profession had been at a disadvantage when it comes to technology application and usage as most teachers who graduate out of most institutions found it difficult to cope with the changes. He is optimistic that this model initiative will be a game changer and boost teacher performance.
Empowering Teachers and Connecting Institutions
Dr. Mugisha Annet Kajura, Commissioner from the Ministry of Education and Sports, noted that the hub aligns with the national teachers’ policy, which streamlined PTCs from 46 to 23 core institutions transitioning into full teacher training colleges.
“Moroto is blessed to host this facility, which will connect teachers across the country and empower those in the Karamoja region,” she said. She stressed the need to build digital literacy among staff and tutors at UNITE’s five campuses.
Professor Betty Ezati, Vice Chancellor of UNITE, added that the hub will strengthen teacher education by facilitating lectures from a central point to coordinating centers. This approach reduces travel burdens and transport costs for learners while enabling targeted online content delivery. UNITE, in partnership with Mary Immaculate College Ireland, plans to conduct seminars on key priority areas to further build capacity.
Broader Impact and Sustainability
The initiative will focus on training teachers in ICT integration, digital literacy, and innovative teaching methods. By addressing longstanding challenges—such as limited computer access, internet connectivity, and ICT skills among educators—this hub is expected to elevate teaching quality across Karamoja and serve as a scalable model nationwide.
Stakeholders urged full utilization of the facility, with rules and maintenance protocols in place to maximize its long-term benefits. This donation represents a strategic investment in human capital development for one of Uganda’s most marginalized regions, bridging digital and educational divides to foster inclusive growth. The launch underscores the value of targeted international partnerships in supporting Uganda’s education transformation goals.
