Eronda
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
- 1,157
- 590
Victoria University Vice Chancellor Dr. Lawrence Muganga has publicly urged President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to launch a nationwide One Laptop Per Child (OLPC)policy, describing it as a game-changing step toward Uganda's ambition of achieving a $500 billion economy.
In an open letter published in Weekend Vision newspaper on March 22, 2026, and shared widely on social media, Dr. Muganga proposed equipping approximately 15 million primary and secondary school students with solar-powered laptops or tablets. He estimated the initial investment at around $1 billion but argued it would generate massive long-term returns.
According to the letter, the policy could save the government up to $13 billion over a decade by slashing expenses on printed textbooks, exams, and other materials. More importantly, Dr. Muganga highlighted the potential for accelerated learning through AI tools and digital resources, which he said could boost annual GDP growth by 12-14% and better prepare young Ugandans for a technology-driven job market."This is not just about devices," Dr. Muganga wrote. "It is about unlocking destinies, reducing burdens on parents, delivering national savings, and future-proofing an entire generation.
He emphasized that the initiative aligns with regional progress in countries like Rwanda and Kenya, where similar tech-in-education efforts have shown results when paired with strong planning.
Critics, however, pointed to practical hurdles. They noted Uganda's low electricity coverage (around 30% reliable access in many areas), limited internet infrastructure, high maintenance costs, and risks of corruption or mismanagement. Past regional attempts at large-scale device distribution have faced issues like poor teacher training, procurement scandals, and underused equipment.
Government response to the proposal has not yet been announced. As discussions continue online and in media, the open letter has reignited national conversation about how digital tools could help Uganda harness its young population for faster economic growth.
In an open letter published in Weekend Vision newspaper on March 22, 2026, and shared widely on social media, Dr. Muganga proposed equipping approximately 15 million primary and secondary school students with solar-powered laptops or tablets. He estimated the initial investment at around $1 billion but argued it would generate massive long-term returns.
According to the letter, the policy could save the government up to $13 billion over a decade by slashing expenses on printed textbooks, exams, and other materials. More importantly, Dr. Muganga highlighted the potential for accelerated learning through AI tools and digital resources, which he said could boost annual GDP growth by 12-14% and better prepare young Ugandans for a technology-driven job market."This is not just about devices," Dr. Muganga wrote. "It is about unlocking destinies, reducing burdens on parents, delivering national savings, and future-proofing an entire generation.
He emphasized that the initiative aligns with regional progress in countries like Rwanda and Kenya, where similar tech-in-education efforts have shown results when paired with strong planning.
Critics, however, pointed to practical hurdles. They noted Uganda's low electricity coverage (around 30% reliable access in many areas), limited internet infrastructure, high maintenance costs, and risks of corruption or mismanagement. Past regional attempts at large-scale device distribution have faced issues like poor teacher training, procurement scandals, and underused equipment.
Government response to the proposal has not yet been announced. As discussions continue online and in media, the open letter has reignited national conversation about how digital tools could help Uganda harness its young population for faster economic growth.