The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Board and its Monitoring & Evaluation team have commended Nkumba University for its remarkable progress under the Digitally Enabled Community-Centered Early Childhood Development Approach (DECEDA) Project, during a monitoring visit held Yesterday, 5th November 2025, at Mbarara Junior Primary School.
The visit, part of the UCC’s oversight of UCUSAF-supported projects, brought together officials from the Commission and the Nkumba University DECEDA team, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Jude Lubega. The engagement provided an opportunity to showcase the milestones achieved through the project, which is currently being implemented in 32 public primary schools across the country.
During the visit, the Nkumba University team presented key project achievements, including the training of teachers in digital pedagogy, provision of ICT infrastructure and digital learning resources, and the activation of a Learning Management System (LMS) designed to enhance teaching and learning outcomes in primary schools.
Speaking after touring the school’s digital learning facilities, members of the UCC Board and M&E team lauded Nkumba University for its strong contribution to promoting digital inclusion in education. The Director UCUSAF described DECEDA as “good work being piloted”, praising the University’s efforts in transforming early childhood education through technology.
He, however, emphasized the importance of continued teacher skilling to ensure effective use of the devices and platforms provided under the program. “The progress is impressive, but we must keep equipping teachers with the skills they need to make full use of these digital tools,” he noted.
Prof. Lubega reaffirmed Nkumba University’s commitment to strengthening digital education across Uganda, saying the institution “remains dedicated to supporting government efforts in promoting 21st-century teaching skills and digital transformation in schools.” He further expressed appreciation to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) for its partnership and guidance in implementing the DECEDA Project, noting that the collaboration continues to bridge the digital divide in primary education.
The Digitally Enabled Community-Centered Early Childhood Development Approach (DECEDA) Project is an initiative led by Nkumba University in partnership with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) through its Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF).
Launched early this year, the project aims to strengthen digital education capacity in Uganda’s primary schools by integrating digital learning into early childhood teaching, most especially at primary school level. DECEDA focuses on equipping teachers with digital pedagogy skills, providing ICT infrastructure and digital learning resources, and providing a Learning Management System (LMS) to support blended and interactive learning.
Key stakeholders include Nkumba University (the project implementors), the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) as the funding and regulatory partner, district education officers, participating public primary schools, the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, among others.
DECEDA has been rolled out in 32 public primary schools across Uganda, covering all regions of the country. Through this approach, DECEDA continues to promote digital inclusion, enhance teaching effectiveness, and prepare both teachers and learners for a technology-driven education system aligned with Uganda’s Digital Transformation Agenda.
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