IvanKaahwaReports

The Ministry of Education and Sports authorities have reiterated that handheld mobile devices, such as phones and tablets, remain prohibited for use by learners in school premises.

Under the Digital Agenda Strategy, the ministry aims to increase the utilization of electronic tools and technologies to enhance the delivery and management of quality education and sports in a safe and phased approach.

Until the Policy Guidelines are finalized, the use of mobile digital tools in schools remains prohibited. The Ministry is still developing Policy Standards and Guidelines to regulate the use of digital tools and technologies in educational settings.

This policy will define the roles and expectations for all stakeholders—including schools, teachers, learners, parents, internet service providers, and digital device providers.

However, Ministry Spokesperson Dennis Mugimba emphasized that school desktops and laptops within computer laboratory facilities remain available to learners through common-user arrangements, preventing undue financial burdens on parents.

Accounting officers in Pre-Primary, Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Degree-awarding Institutions regulated by the Ministry are advised to ensure that the internet provided does not expose learners to unacceptable content, such as pornography, gambling, and criminal websites, as defined by the Laws of Uganda.

Dennis stated that the principle of digital information security and online learner safety is a top priority in the delivery of Digital Education interventions across all institutions of learning.