Regional SIMS training workshops equip educators with practical skills to support school onboarding and the adoption of digital management solutions.
The EduTech Teachers Network (ETN), in partnership with SurePay Limited, has completed Phase Two of the SurePay School Information Management System (SIMS) Champions Training Workshops, extending efforts to promote digital school management across Uganda.
Conducted from 19 to 26 September 2026, the workshops took place in Jinja, Kammengo-Ggoli in central Uganda, Arua and Fort Portal. The initiative followed earlier SIMS training activities reported in Introducing the Free SurePay School Management System.
While the earlier activities introduced educators to the platform, Phase Two focused on practical system navigation, school onboarding procedures and preparing interested educators to support SIMS adoption in their communities.
Four regional workshops, one shared goal
The workshops were held at the following venues:
- 19 September: Civil Service College, Jinja City, with free entry to WordCamp Jinja.
- 22 September: St. Bruno Secondary School, Kammengo-Ggoli, along Masaka Road.
- 24 September: Muni University Business Incubation Centre, Arua City.
- 26 September: Kyebambe Girls’ Secondary School, Fort Portal City.
Each session was scheduled from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Participants were encouraged to bring laptops to support hands-on practice.
ETN coordinated venue arrangements, participant mobilisation, registration and workshop logistics. Invitations were circulated through professional networks and social media, supported by SMS messages, telephone calls and reminders.
The regional approach brought the training closer to educators in different parts of the country, creating opportunities for practical learning and professional collaboration.
From presentations to hands-on learning
The technical sessions were facilitated by Mr. Moses Meregulwa, who introduced participants to Surepay SIMS and demonstrated its key functions.
Following the presentation and question-and-answer session, participants were guided through practical exercises using the SIMS portal. They explored school settings, student admission, fee structures, billing and other system functions using their laptops and smartphones.
SurePay describes SIMS as a digital platform designed to bring important school management processes together. Its documented functions include:
- Student records, attendance and academic reporting.
- School fees management and digital payment collection.
- Financial reporting and accountability.
- Inventory, assets and supplier management.
- Communication and notifications for school stakeholders.
These functions can help schools organise records, monitor operations and reduce dependence on fragmented paper-based processes. The actual benefits depend on proper implementation, accurate data and consistent use by authorised staff.
Educators were encouraged to continue practising after the workshops, recognising that mastering a school management system requires ongoing learning and support.
Learn more through the official SurePay SIMS product page.
Developing a network of SIMS Champions
A key component of Phase Two was preparing interested educators to support schools in adopting and using the system.
Participants were introduced to the SurePay Champions WhatsApp group, providing a channel for continued communication, guidance and experience sharing. The SurePay team also explained the proposed Champion appointment process and distributed agreement forms to interested participants.
Those pursuing the opportunity were guided through the forms and informed about the subsequent steps, including the provision of individual agent codes by SurePay.
The training also introduced participants to the SurePay Agent Portal, which supports relevant agent activities, including monitoring school onboarding and viewing transaction information.
Participants learnt about school verification requirements and the documentation needed for onboarding, including applicable school registration documents and identification of responsible school officials.
These procedures reinforce the importance of accurate records and proper verification when introducing digital financial and administrative services to schools.
Interested participants can access the SurePay Agent Portal. Access credentials and agent codes should be obtained directly from SurePay through its authorised channels.
Attending a workshop does not automatically constitute formal appointment as a SurePay Champion or agent; interested educators should follow the provider’s appointment process.
What schools need to know about SIMS
SurePay’s School Partnership Agreement states that the standard SIMS service is provided to schools at no direct subscription cost, with no termly or annual subscription fee. However, parents and guardians may incur mobile money transaction charges according to the applicable MTN or Airtel tariffs. Additional features or customisation outside the standard package may also attract negotiated costs.
The agreement outlines responsibilities for both parties. SurePay provides system access, onboarding support, staff training and technical assistance, while schools are expected to supply the necessary information, assign staff to manage the system and encourage appropriate use by staff and parents.
Schools considering SIMS should review the applicable agreement and confirm the current service arrangements, transaction charges, support provisions and data-protection responsibilities before onboarding.
Continuing the digital transformation journey
The Phase Two workshops highlight the importance of combining technology with educator capacity building. Introducing a digital platform is only the beginning; schools also need trained personnel who can guide implementation, support colleagues and help users address practical challenges.
Through its collaboration with SurePay, ETN continues to connect educators with opportunities to develop their digital skills and contribute to the adoption of technology in school administration.
The next step is to translate the knowledge gained into effective school onboarding, confident users and sustained use of digital management tools.
Educators interested in joining the SIMS Champions community or learning about future training opportunities can contact ETN for guidance on the appropriate coordination channels.
Useful links
- EduTech Teachers Network
- Previous ETN article introducing SurePay SIMS
- SurePay SIMS portal
- SurePay Agent Portal
- SurePay user guides and resources
- SurePay enquiries: info@surepayltd.com | +256 770 919 201
For assistance regarding the Surepay SIMS, contact Mr. Moses Meregulwa via (0703630501) as shared during the training.
About ETN: The EduTech Teachers Network is a professional community that promotes digital skills, collaboration and the effective use of education technology among educators in Uganda.
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