ISBAT University Hosts National ICT Student Forum as Government’s Startup Innovation Hub Gains Momentum
A new wave of innovation swept through ISBAT University in Kampala Monday September 29 as it hosted the National Conference of Students on Communication and the Central Region leg of the 2025 ICT Club Competition, under the banner of the Startup Innovation Hub—a bold national initiative driven by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to harness student talent in the digital economy.
This year’s Startup Innovation Hub is a multi-institutional platform backed by Lycamobile, ISBAT University, and Gulu University, serving as co-hosts for a series of academic and technical activities across the country. The program is designed to empower young Ugandans to think creatively, use technology to solve real problems, and position themselves as future leaders in the digital space.
Government-Driven Innovation with Private Sector Backing
Launched earlier this year, the Startup Innovation Hub is a government-led initiative spearheaded by UCC in partnership with key private sector players, most notably Lycamobile Uganda, which has pledged to provide data access during events as well as financial support for operational needs and prize awards. The initiative aims to build a robust pipeline of ICT innovators from high school to university level.
“The government is not just investing in infrastructure but in people,” said Engineer Rebecca Mayanja, UCC’s Director for Innovation and Talent Development. “This initiative ensures Uganda’s youth are equipped, supported, and inspired to lead Africa’s digital transformation.”
Series of Regional Debates: From Jinja to Gulu
The activities leading up to today’s national conference have included a cross-country inter-school debate series that began on September 19. The debates focused on ICT in development, ethical communication, digital safety, and the role of youth in innovation. Preliminary rounds took place at:
St. Busoga College Mwiri in Jinja
Mbogo High School in Kampala
Gulu University in Northern Uganda.
And today’s final debate round at ISBAT University
Each location featured spirited arguments and high-level presentations, helping students sharpen their public speaking, critical thinking, and ICT policy understanding.
18 Schools Participate in National Conference at ISBAT
Monday’s National Conference of Students on Communication brought together 18 secondary schools from across Uganda, showcasing a diverse mix of rural, urban, private, and public institutions. Participating schools included:
- Luwero SS
- St. Mary’s College Kisubi
- Trinity College Nabbingo
- Kibuli SS
- St. Elizabeth Girls’ Mityana
- Kinyogoga Seed School
- Kojja SS, Mukono
- Bombo Army School
- Bishop Cyprian Kihangire SS
- Ndeeba SS, Kayunga
- St. Henry’s Kitovu Masaka
- Mbaazi Riverside High School
- Mt. St. Mary’s Namagunga
- Mumsa High School
- Namagabi Sec. Sch
- St.Charles Lwanga School
- St. Busoga College Mwiri
- Sekanyonyi Sec.School
Students engaged in breakout sessions on digital inclusion, communication ethics, data privacy, and artificial intelligence in education. Teams also presented innovative proposals in areas such as smart agriculture, e-health, and green energy.
Judging and Recognition
Judges drawn from academia, telecom, and the tech startup ecosystem scored participants based on originality, clarity, technological understanding, and impact potential. While the final winners will be unveiled during the main event in Nakawa, each school will receive certificates, and top performers will be awarded laptops, courtesy of Lycamobile and UCC.
“We’re not just recognizing winners—we’re encouraging a movement,” said Dr. Winfred Atwine, a member of the judging panel and ICT policy consultant.
Final Event: October 2–3 at Nakawa Institute of Technology
All eyes now turn to the Nakawa Institute of Technology, which will host the grand finale of the 2025 ICT Club National Competition on October 2–3. The event will feature:
Final pitches from regional winners
A tech innovation exhibition
Panels with startup founders and tech investors
Recognition of Uganda’s top student innovators
Participants will include students from both secondary schools and universities, including Gulu University and ISBAT University, who will present their ongoing research and startups.
A Platform for Uganda’s Next Generation of Digital Leaders
The Startup Innovation Hub represents more than just a school competition; it is a national platform for harnessing the power of youth-driven innovation. Through strategic partnerships and government commitment, it is setting the stage for Uganda to become a regional ICT powerhouse.
As these bright young minds head to Nakawa for the final showdown, the message is clear: the future of technology in Uganda is not just in good hands—it’s in bold, capable, and innovative ones.
Event Timeline at a Glance:
Date Activity Venue
Sept 19–27, 2025 Regional Debates & Preliminaries Jinja, Kampala, Gulu
Sept 29, 2025 National Student Conference on Communication ISBAT University
Oct 2–3, 2025 Final ICT Club Competition & Innovation Expo Nakawa Institute of Technology
For continuing coverage of Uganda’s digital transformation and student innovation, follow The Urban Gazette.
