Sh9.64b deficit stalls UICT’s push for digital excellence

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The Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT) has decried a funding shortfall of sh9.64b, which threatens to hinder critical priorities, including a wage bill deficit of sh5.39b.

This revelation was made during an oversight visit by the Parliamentary Committee on ICT and National Guidance, led by its chairperson, Tonny Ayoo (Kwania County, NRM).

The visit aimed to assess the institute's progress and challenges in alignment with Uganda’s digital transformation agenda.

Dr Frederick Kitoogo, Principal of UICT, expressed the institute’s pressing need for increased government support.

“We currently have only 40 permanent staff, while our required establishment is 190. This forces us to rely on part-time staff, which is unsustainable,” Dr Kitoogo said.

He added that UICT’s indicative budget for the 2025/2026 financial year is sh24.428b. However, he said the institute continues to grapple with insufficient staffing levels, inadequate infrastructure, and limited financial support for student projects.

“We lack enough lecture rooms equipped with smart technology, our ICT training labs are outdated, and we don’t have access to state-of-the-art technology,” Dr Kitoogo emphasized.

Call for Parliamentary support

Dr Kitoogo appealed to Parliament to address these challenges, emphasizing that without additional funding, UICT’s ability to meet its mandate would remain compromised.

“Our ability to train ICT practitioners and foster innovation depends on improved funding. Parliament’s intervention is crucial,” he said.

Committee’s perspective

Ayoo acknowledged UICT’s efforts but urged the institute to increase public awareness of its programmes.

“We have realised that the institute is doing a lot, but little is known about its work outside these walls. Management needs to create more awareness to attract more stakeholders and students,” Ayoo said.

He praised UICT’s alignment with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance’s digital transformation agenda, which aims to enhance digital skills, encourage innovation, and expand broadband coverage to 90% of households.

Innovations and facilities

As part of the visit, the committee toured several facilities, including the Augmented and Virtual Reality (AVR) laboratory.

The 20-capacity lab is equipped with cutting-edge technology such as virtual reality (VR) headsets, augmented reality (AR) glasses, smart screens, and high-performance computers.

Dr Kitoogo explained that the lab supports the teaching of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects through interactive simulations, virtual labs, and 3D modelling.

Other facilities toured included electrical, electronics, telecommunications, optic fibre, and multimedia laboratories, as well as classrooms and a testing centre.

Students and alumni also showcased their innovative projects during the visit. Among these were:

Automatic Alertness Monitoring System: Designed to combat fatigue among late-night workers, such as nurses, factory workers, and truck drivers.

Gas Leak Detection System: A device that detects gas leakages in LPG cylinders and sends automated alerts to users’ phones when gas levels become hazardous.

Ayoo commended these efforts, saying, “The oversight visit demonstrates UICT’s commitment to innovation and its potential to contribute to community development through scientific advancements.”

Celebrating 25 years of ICT excellence

Dean Munene, chair of UICT’s Governing Council, highlighted the institute’s upcoming 25th anniversary.

“This year, we celebrate 25 years of serving Uganda through ICT education and skilling. Management has prioritised rolling out new market-driven courses, such as data analytics, to attract more students,” Munene said.

Dr Kitoogo noted that UICT had achieved remarkable milestones in the second quarter of the 2024/2025 financial year.

“Last year, we graduated 952 students, the largest cohort in our history. Additionally, we trained 119 ICT practitioners, skilled 500 individuals in the gig economy, and hosted 58 innovators at our Innovation Hub,” he said.

The institute has also spearheaded the rollout of a virtual classroom and meeting system and incubated 10 start-ups. Between 2020 and 2023, UICT produced 1,333 graduates and supported 1,275 students, surpassing its target of 1,200.

Despite the showcased achievements, UICT’s management stressed the need for continued investment to realise the institute’s full potential.

“Our vision is to lead the digital transformation of Uganda through cutting-edge education and innovation. However, this can only be achieved with sufficient funding and support from stakeholders,” Dr Kitoogo concluded.