Two students of St. Mary’s College Rushoroza in Kabale District have developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered personalized learning platform designed to improve access to quality education and equip Ugandan learners with practical skills for the future.
The platform, named Deglecy, offers interactive learning resources for primary, secondary and university students, combining artificial intelligence with locally relevant educational content to enhance learning beyond the classroom.
The innovation was developed by Agaba Samuel and Ibzan Johanan Kanyesigye, both 18-year-old Senior Four students at St. Mary’s College Rushoroza, who say the idea was born during the COVID-19 pandemic when prolonged school closures exposed the need for accessible digital learning solutions.
“We realized that many students needed an affordable and accessible platform where they could continue learning from anywhere. Even after schools reopened, many learners still required additional support outside the classroom. That inspired us to create Deglecy,” Agaba said.
Unlike conventional AI tools that simply generate answers, Deglecy functions as a virtual teacher by assessing a learner’s understanding before providing personalized explanations, exercises, quizzes and progress tracking.
“Our AI behaves like a real teacher. It explains concepts in simple language, asks follow-up questions to determine what the learner already knows, provides exercises, evaluates performance and even recommends subjects or career paths based on the learner’s strengths,” Agaba explained.
The platform provides courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and other subjects. It also gives learners access to past examination papers, downloadable PDF notes and learning materials that can be accessed both online and offline.
Recognizing that internet connectivity remains a challenge in many parts of Uganda, the developers incorporated offline learning features that enable students to download study materials while connected to the internet and continue studying without a connection. Interactive features such as video lessons and the AI tutor become available once the learner reconnects.
“We understand that internet access is still a challenge in Uganda. That’s why we designed Deglecy to allow students to download learning materials and continue studying offline before reconnecting for video lessons and AI support,” the developers said.
The students said security was a key consideration during the platform’s development.
“We have invested heavily in security. The platform uses encrypted SSL connections, passwords are securely hashed and user information is stored in secure databases. We want learners and teachers to use Deglecy with confidence,” Agaba said.
Agaba attributed his passion for technology to the encouragement he received from his elder brother and father while he was still in Primary Five at Kabale Quality Primary School.
“My brother inspired my interest in ICT, while my father supported my dream by buying me my first laptop. I started teaching myself web development before advancing into software programming,” he said.
Currently, the platform serves about 200 users, mainly from Uganda, but has also attracted learners from countries including the United States, India, Malaysia and China.
The project gained national attention after emerging the overall winner in the ICT category during the regional STEM and SESEMAT science competitions, scoring 85 out of 100 against several engineering innovations.
“Winning the competition gave us confidence that our solution could make a real impact. We even earned our first income of Shs30,000 after demonstrating the platform. It wasn’t a huge amount, but it showed us that people believed in our idea,” Agaba said.
Co-founder Ibzan Johanan Kanyesigye said the team’s vision is to build a world-class digital education platform developed by Ugandan’s for Ugandan’s.
“We want to create a product that is built by Ugandans and used by Ugandans. Many learners rely on international platforms, but we believe Uganda can develop its own globally competitive learning platform,” Kanyesigye said.
The students appealed to the Government to support homegrown technological innovations through funding, research support, improved internet infrastructure and partnerships with schools.
“With the right support, we can expand the platform, reach more schools and empower the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators,” Kanyesigye said.
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The Deputy Head Teacher in charge of Academics at St. Mary’s College Rushoroza, Mr Godfrey Barigye, praised the students for translating classroom learning into practical innovation.
“When Samuel and Ibzan first presented their AI project, we initially thought they were joking. However, after demonstrating how it works, we realized they had developed something truly remarkable. We are proud of these students because their innovation reflects the practical competencies promoted under Uganda’s new lower secondary curriculum,” Mr Barigye said.
He added that the school has embraced practical learning by supporting students engaged in agriculture, technology and vocational projects.
“The AI platform enhances both teaching and learning by enabling teachers to upload lessons, tutorials and educational videos for learners to access anywhere. We also appreciate the parents for supporting these students with laptops while the school provides internet access and time for innovation,” he said.
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The Kigezi Regional Coordinator for the Secondary Science and Mathematics Teachers (SESEMAT) programme, Agnes Tumuhaise, said the innovation emerged as the best creativity project during the regional science competitions held on June 13 in Kabale District, earning qualification for the national finals scheduled for July 10–12 in Kampala.
“This project emerged as the number one innovation in the region. The students have demonstrated exceptional creativity through ICT, and we are confident they will make Kigezi proud at the national competition,” Ms Tumuhaise said.
She noted that Kigezi, comprising Kabale, Kanungu, Kisoro, Rubanda, Rukiga and Rukungiri districts, will be represented by 10 students showcasing five projects at the national event.
Ms Tumuhaise appealed to the Government, development partners and well-wishers to support the young innovators with resources to sustain and expand the online platform.
“Hosting and maintaining the platform requires resources that these students cannot afford on their own. With adequate support, this innovation has the potential to reach learners across Uganda and beyond while inspiring more young people to embrace ICT and innovation,” she said.
She expressed confidence that the team would excel at the national competition.
“We are going to win, and I believe we shall bring the national trophy home to the Kigezi region,” she said.
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