Preparations for the 2025 National Conference on Communications (NCC) ICT Clubs Competition are in full swing. More than just a competition, this national platform provides an opportunity for learners in UCC partner schools to creatively explore real-life challenges through the lens of technology. Through their participation, students are expected to demonstrate innovation, creativity, and effective problem-solving skills by tackling issues that matter most in their communities and schools.
The theme for this year is: “Harnessing Digital Innovation to Power Sustainable Local Solutions for Uganda’s Development Goals.” This theme invites learners to reflect on the developmental needs around them and respond with well-designed, tech-enabled solutions that are both impactful and practical. The projects developed under this theme should not only showcase technical know-how but also reveal a deep understanding of local realities and a commitment to solving them through sustainable innovation.
Projects submitted to the Competition must align with three key thematic parameters. First, Creating Impact means the solution must solve a real issue, improve lives, or respond to a specific need within a school or community. Second, Technology Use requires projects to meaningfully incorporate digital tools, whether hardware, software, or computing principles. Third, Relevance to Uganda’s Development Goals implies that the projects should reflect national development priorities, particularly those linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring the innovations have broader social and economic relevance.
To effectively begin such a project, learners must define a clear and meaningful problem. This involves observing their environment to identify challenges, reflecting on who is affected and why the problem matters, and then clearly articulating it. For instance, a defined problem statement could be: “Learners lack access to revision materials after school hours.” A well-crafted problem gives purpose and focus to the innovation process.
The NCC ICT Clubs Competition is structured into five main project categories. Each category encourages different forms of creativity and skills development.
The first category is Software Development and App Innovation, where learners design tools such as mobile apps, websites, and simple software platforms to solve day-to-day problems. Typical projects may include school websites, e-learning platforms, health tracking apps, digital revision tools, or games designed for awareness or education. These projects contribute to SDGs such as Quality Education, Good Health and Well-being, Zero Hunger, and Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
The second category is Hardware, Robotics and Engineering. This category focuses on building practical, physical solutions using electronics, sensors, or renewable energy. Learners can develop innovations like smart irrigation systems, solar-powered charging stations, security systems, or waste management technologies. These projects promote hands-on engineering thinking and link directly to SDGs on Clean Water and Sanitation, Affordable and Clean Energy, Climate Action, and Sustainable Cities.
In the third category, Multimedia, Animation and Digital Arts, learners use visual storytelling to communicate powerful messages or promote awareness of social or educational topics. Projects could include animated videos on health practices, infographics about the SDGs, digital posters on civic education, or school campaigns on gender equality. These creative expressions enhance digital literacy and support SDGs on Gender Equality, Responsible Consumption, and Reduced Inequalities.
The fourth category, Data, Research and Cybersecurity, is designed to develop learners’ analytical and ethical use of digital tools. Here, projects may include dashboards for school data, visual reports on student nutrition or attendance, and tools promoting safe internet use or cyberbullying prevention. This category equips learners with data skills while addressing SDGs such as Peace and Justice, Partnerships for the Goals, and Education.
The fifth category is Inclusive and Community Problem Solving. This category emphasizes inclusivity, accessibility, and impact. Learners are encouraged to design technologies that respond to pressing community needs, such as apps for learners with disabilities, mental health and wellness tools, or systems addressing waste management and clean water access. Projects in this category aim to touch every aspect of the SDGs, especially those addressing Health, Inequality, Poverty, and Sustainable Communities.
In addition to the five core categories, the NCC Competition will feature a Typing Challenge and Digital Skills Showcase. This challenge encourages learners to develop typing accuracy and speed using software such as Typing Master. Top performers will be recognized with certificates and national acclaim, promoting foundational digital literacy alongside innovation.
As part of the submission process, each team is required to prepare a compelling pitch deck. This presentation should clearly explain the project’s purpose and effectiveness using six well-structured slides: the project title and team introduction, the defined problem statement, the proposed solution with a demo video, the process and technologies used, the expected impact and benefits, and a concluding call to action. While design is helpful, clarity of message and confident delivery are most important.
In closing, the NCC ICT Clubs Competition 2025 is a unique platform for Ugandan learners to exhibit their talent, innovation, and problem-solving potential. Whether you are developing a mobile app, crafting a compelling digital story, or constructing a smart engineering prototype, your project can become a catalyst for change. Through this program, we aim to cultivate a generation of tech-savvy problem solvers ready to shape the future of Uganda and beyond.
