Arua City Hosts Girls in ICT Day as Students Tackle Community Challenges with Innovation

Girls in secondary schools have been urged to embrace Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to address pressing challenges within their communities.

This message was echoed during the 2025 International Girls in ICT Day commemoration held at Muni National Teachers College in Arua City.

The event brought together five secondary schools from Arua District and Arua City, each showcasing innovative ICT solutions to local problems.

The celebration attracted key stakeholders including officials from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), local leaders, and educators, who underscored the importance of equipping girls with digital skills to thrive in a technology-driven world.

Joseph Katerega, head of the UCC Masindi Regional Office, called on girls to make use of existing ICT infrastructure and opportunities to expand their knowledge and contribute practical solutions to the challenges facing their communities. He stressed the need to nurture young women’s talents through targeted ICT training.

“Girls must go beyond using technology — they should become creators and innovators who solve real-life problems,” said Katerega.

Salim Komakech, the Resident City Commissioner of Arua, emphasized the economic potential of ICT, urging girls to embrace innovation as a tool for wealth creation and self-empowerment in the digital era.

Arua District LCV Chairperson Alfred Okuonzi also weighed in, noting that strengthening ICT capacity among young girls is crucial for unlocking global opportunities and driving local development.

This year’s commemoration, held under the theme “Leadership,” focused on empowering girls through digital innovation. Participating schools included Ediofe Girls SS, Logiri Girls SS, Arua Public SS, Muni Girls SS, and Arua SS.

All schools received certificates in recognition of their creative ICT projects, with Arua SS emerging as the overall best. The school will represent the West Nile region at the national Girls in ICT competitions slated for April 24 in Nakawa.

International Girls in ICT Day is celebrated annually during the fourth week of April to inspire and equip girls to pursue careers in technology and digital innovation.