In a significant step toward advancing digital transformation in Uganda’s education sector, the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), with support from the Uganda National Commission for UNESCO (UNATCOM) through the UNESCO Participatory Programmes, conducted a workshop and training aimed at enhancing the effective use of the Ministry’s Virtual Information Centre (VIC), a central platform for storing and accessing critical educational resources.
The three-day workshop, focused on developing content management strategies, was held from 28th to 30th July 2025, followed by a one-day staff training session on 31st July 2025. These activities are part of a broader initiative to increase access to information and strengthen institutional capacity in line with Uganda’s Vision 2040, Agenda 2063, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“This training is very crucial in building staff capacity for the optimal utilization of the Virtual Information Centre,” said Dr. Dominic Mundrugo-Ogo Lali, Deputy Secretary General of UNATCOM, during his opening remarks. “We are proud to work with various stakeholders to develop strategies that will ensure this vital resource is fully harnessed.”
Uganda’s education sector is embracing a digital future, and the MoES Virtual Information Centre is a major step in that direction. Established with support from UNESCO during the last biennium, the VIC provides centralized access to key sector documents, including policies, reports, research papers, and strategic plans.
During the training, MoES staff were introduced to the core components of the VIC. These include DSpace, a digital repository for managing institutional documents; Koha, an Integrated Library Management System; and OPAC, the Online Public Access Catalogue, which allows users to search for and locate both physical and digital resources.
The training was led by Mr. Hyuha Paulo, a content management consultant, who emphasized that the VIC is not merely a technical upgrade but a strategic enabler that can improve transparency, efficiency, and service delivery across the education sector.
The main objectives of the workshop and training were to develop comprehensive content management strategies specifically tailored to the needs of the MoES VIC, to build staff capacity in managing and utilizing digital resources effectively, and to increase awareness and internal promotion of the VIC across departments.
As a result of this initiative, the Ministry anticipates improved access to educational materials for both internal staff and the public, enhanced staff competency in content and knowledge management, and optimized use of institutional resources. These outcomes are expected to enhance overall productivity and promote greater awareness and engagement with the VIC across various departments and affiliated institutions.
During the closing session, Ms. Atima Frances, Director of the Directorate of Education Standards and representative of the Permanent Secretary, praised the initiative and encouraged all departments to take full ownership of the VIC.
“I’m an advocate for ICT. A lot of documents are developed but disappear on people’s desks—or even go with officers when they retire,” she said. “We must popularize the Virtual Information Centre and make it part and parcel of every department.”
She also expressed appreciation to the organizers for selecting the Directorate of Education Standards to host this important activity and encouraged other departments to follow suit in supporting similar capacity-building efforts.
The MoES Virtual Information Centre is more than just a digital tool. It represents a significant advancement in how the Ministry stores, shares, and accesses institutional knowledge. It is a collaborative platform that supports transparency, efficiency, and modernization in public education administration.
Explore the MoES Virtual Information Centre:
MoES Institutional Repository (DSpace)
Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC)