The integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education is globally recognised as a powerful driver of improved teaching, learning and institutional development.
Uganda recognises ICT as an important catalyst for socioeconomic transformation and has incorporated it into national frameworks such as the Draft National ICT Policy (2014), the Digital Uganda Vision and the Ministry of Education and Sports’ Digital Agenda Strategy. Government agencies, including the National Information Technology Authority Uganda (NITA-U) and the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), support ICT infrastructure development, regulation and digital inclusion.
Initiatives such as the Pilot Digital Skills Acceleration Programme (2023–2026) are also helping to strengthen digital competencies among teachers and learners. However, fully realising the potential of digital education will require sustained investment, stable policies, effective coordination and clear implementation guidelines.
At the continental level, the Continental Education Strategy for Africa promotes the use of ICT to improve access, quality and relevance in education. Global frameworks, including the Qingdao and Incheon Declarations, emphasise digital inclusion, particularly for marginalised and underserved groups. These commitments are reinforced by the UNESCO ICT Competency Framework for Teachers, which calls for the systematic integration of ICT into teacher training, curricula and classroom practice.
Objectives of the Evaluation
The evaluation sought to:
- Assess Uganda’s policy framework and its effectiveness in supporting the integration of ICT across the education sector.
- Identify gaps in the National ICT Policy and the Digital Agenda Strategy.
- Develop practical recommendations and implementation guidelines, particularly for ICT integration at the school level.
- Prepare a position paper advocating for a standalone ICT in Education Policy supported by clear and comprehensive implementation guidelines.
Scope of the Assignment
1. Policy and Strategy Assessment
The assignment assessed the adequacy of the Draft National ICT Policy and the Digital Agenda Strategy in supporting ICT integration in education. Other national policies relevant to digital transformation in the education sector were also reviewed.
The assessment was conducted across seven parameters:
- Relevance: The extent to which existing ICT policies respond to the needs of Uganda’s education sector at all levels.
- Adequacy: The extent to which the policies address the specific requirements of ICT-enabled teaching, learning and educational management.
- Effectiveness: The ability of the policies to provide a clear and structured framework for ICT integration across the education sector.
- Efficiency: The extent to which policy provisions promote institutional coordination, effective resource planning and responsible implementation.
- Equity: The responsiveness of the policies to the needs of women and girls, persons with disabilities, refugees and other underserved groups.
- Compliance: The alignment of the policies with existing national legislation, international declarations, standards and resolutions.
- Sustainability: The ability of the policies to provide long-term direction for ICT integration and digital transformation in education.
2. International Benchmarking
Countries with successful ICT integration strategies were reviewed to identify good practices that could inform Uganda’s policy development. The countries were selected based on the availability of a dedicated ICT in Education Policy and their performance on the ICT Development Index.
3. Stakeholder Consultations
Key informant interviews were conducted with relevant stakeholders, including a representative from the Ministry of Education and Sports. These consultations provided institutional perspectives on the strengths, limitations and implementation challenges within the existing policy environment.
4. Assessment of International Compliance
The study examined Uganda’s alignment with relevant international standards, declarations and commitments. It identified policy and implementation gaps and developed evidence-based recommendations for strengthening effectiveness, inclusion and accountability.
Key Deliverables
The assignment produced:
- A comprehensive research report presenting the findings of the policy review, benchmarking exercise and stakeholder consultations.
- A position paper advocating for the development of a standalone ICT in Education Policy.
- Practical recommendations and proposed implementation guidelines for strengthening ICT integration across Uganda’s education sector.