How the limitless potential of the internet can reshape the learning of our children

What the report says

The Independent Uganda published a commentary by Ronald Kato Odongo arguing that Uganda’s growing internet access could play a bigger role in children’s learning, especially as the country enters a national examinations season. The piece says more connectivity is already changing how students, teachers and parents access revision materials, lessons and other educational content.

Citing Uganda Communications Commission figures, the article says Uganda had 20.5 million smartphones and 19.7 million mobile internet subscriptions by June 2026. It also says the regulator has supported school connectivity over recent years by setting up ICT laboratories in public institutions and subsidizing internet for schools, while Airtel Africa Foundation, working with UNICEF Uganda, has connected hundreds more schools to fast internet.

The commentary says these developments can help learners preparing for national exams such as PLE, UCE and UACE by making past papers, demonstrations and on-demand lessons easier to access. It also links the argument to Uganda’s shift toward competency-based education, which emphasizes applying knowledge rather than memorizing content.

The author says technology should complement teachers rather than replace them, and notes that any move toward digital assessment would need safeguards for fairness, security and access. As background, many education systems have kept debating how best to balance classroom teaching with online learning after the COVID-19 period, when remote instruction expanded in many places.