KAMPALA, UGANDA — Digital experts are urging the Ugandan government to implement a national strategy for artificial intelligence (AI), complete with a dedicated budget and timely legislation. They contend that such measures are essential to raise awareness about the benefits and opportunities AI can offer in health, education, and agriculture, and to combat the spread of misinformation and disinformation.
Speaking at a recent workshop in Kampala on “AI and journalism in Uganda,” digital rights advocate Raymond Amumpaire emphasized the need for Uganda to position itself to be a user of AI by identifying the right tools for specific tasks. He noted that AI could be particularly useful in the upcoming elections to fact-check news, give a voice to marginalized communities, and supercharge investigative journalism.
“Resource constraints, limited infrastructure, skills gaps and political sensitivities are potential stumbling blocks in integrating AI technologies,” Amumpaire said. “That is why this conversation is timely.”
Gilbert Ssendugwa, Executive Director of the Africa Freedom of Information Centre, stressed the urgency of reviewing existing laws and policies to help Ugandans make informed decisions while handling large volumes of data. He wants the government to enhance the capacity for various actors to use AI and to raise public awareness about its potential.
While Uganda’s Data Protection and Privacy Act is a step in the right direction, experts say it lacks clear provisions on algorithmic transparency, leaving a legal void. Uganda does not have a specific AI law or policy in place.
Recommendations and Regional Context
The workshop produced a policy brief with recommendations for various sectors:
- For the government: Allocate a budget for AI literacy, introduce safety protocols, and offer incentives for citizen-led solutions.
- For the media: Invest in AI literacy through curriculum models and strengthen communities to develop localized AI solutions for newsrooms.
- For civil society: Push for international cooperation to address misinformation and advocate for the translation of AI-related laws and policies.
The experts pointed out that while some Ugandan newsrooms are already experimenting with AI tools for tasks like transcription and content creation, the country’s regulatory framework is inadequate, leaving journalists vulnerable.
They also noted that Uganda is falling behind its regional neighbors. Countries like Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Rwanda have made significant strides in anchoring AI within their national digital strategies, setting up innovation hubs, and investing in foundational infrastructure. The experts’ appeal to the government is to take decisive action to ensure Uganda can keep pace with this digital transformation.
