Fincom Technologies, through its flagship digital education platform SchoolPay Uganda, has partnered with the Uganda Catholic Education Department to host the first-ever National Catholic Schools Science Fair—an unprecedented initiative bringing together young innovators from all 19 Catholic dioceses.
Each diocese has nominated five top pupils, forming a national team of emerging scientists who presented projects in technology, environmental conservation, engineering, and creative problem-solving.
The initiative represents a major stride in strengthening science, technology, and innovation within Uganda’s basic education system—areas that have long grappled with limited exposure, insufficient resources, and unequal access to STEM opportunities, particularly in rural and underserved schools.
SchoolPay, which currently serves more than 15,000 education institutions, is positioned as a key driver of digital transformation in Uganda’s learning sector.
The new partnership reinforces the company’s commitment to building a future where learners have the skills, tools, and digital readiness required to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Fincom Technologies Chief Executive Charity Atukwatsa Mutagamba said the initiative aligns fully with SchoolPay’s mission to use technology as a catalyst for opportunity.
She noted that the platform’s purpose goes beyond processing payments, instead focusing on empowering schools and learners to embrace scientific exploration, innovation, and modern problem-solving.
Mutagamba added that the Science Fair will help strengthen digital culture in schools and prepare learners for a future where scientific literacy is indispensable.
The Catholic Church, which has been instrumental in shaping Uganda’s education landscape for decades, described the partnership as an investment in both the intellectual and spiritual growth of learners. With hundreds of Catholic-founded schools nationwide, the Church reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing curiosity, discipline, and scientific inquiry from early childhood.
“We believe the future innovators are already in our classrooms. Our goal is to bridge gaps in STEM exposure, inspire young minds, and raise a generation equipped to lead Uganda’s technological transformation,” said Rev. Fr. Ronald Rigan Okello, National Executive Secretary for Education at the Uganda Episcopal Conference.
Officials from the Ministry of Education welcomed the initiative, noting that it complements the Competence-Based Curriculum by offering pupils practical opportunities to broaden understanding and develop critical thinking.
The fair features projects focused on renewable energy and environmental protection, ICT and digital innovation, engineering and simple robotics, agriculture and food security, as well as water, hygiene, and health solutions—highlighting Uganda’s growing emphasis on innovation-led learning.