The Ugandan government has taken several steps to promote the adoption and development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the country:
Establishment of AI Task Force
In 2024, the Ugandan government launched an AI Task Force to drive the country’s AI agenda and position it as a leader in the field[4]. This task force aims to develop policies, strategies, and initiatives to harness the potential of AI for economic and social development.
Collaboration with Private Sector and Academia
The government is actively collaborating with the private sector and academia to promote AI innovation.:
- The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance signed an MoU with Sunbird AI, a non-profit organization, to leverage AI for social and economic development[3]. This partnership focuses on developing practical AI systems, capacity building, and policy development.
- Google invested $1.5 million in the Artificial Intelligence Health Lab at Makerere University to support AI-driven solutions for malaria, cancer, and tuberculosis diagnosis[7].
Policy Support and Incentives
The government is providing policy support and incentives to encourage AI adoption and development:
- The Innovation Hub and National ICT Initiative Support Program (NIISP) were established to facilitate the creation of an ICT innovation ecosystem and marketplace for Ugandan digital products[3].
- The government is working on amending the Universities and Tertiary Institutions Act to provide more support and incentives for private universities, which are crucial in driving AI innovation[5].
Integration of AI in Public Service Delivery
The government is leveraging AI technologies to enhance public service delivery. For example, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) is using AI to register more taxpayers and streamline tax administration processes[1].
The government emphasizes the importance of prioritizing locally developed AI solutions to better understand and address national challenges. It has outlined five key priorities for Uganda’s digital transition: infrastructure, accessibility, digital services, cybersecurity, data protection, privacy, digital skilling, and innovation[7].
While these initiatives demonstrate the government’s commitment to promoting AI, there is still room for improvement in terms of providing financial incentives and actively engaging in AI policy discussions[5]. Continued support and investment in AI will be crucial for Uganda to harness the potential of this transformative technology and position itself as a leader in the digital economy.
citations
- [1] https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/business/finance/ai-is-helping-us-to-register-more-taxpayers-says-ura–4150590
- [2] https://www.treppantechnologies.com/post/the-role-of-ai-in-enhancing-small-business-productivity-in-uganda
- [3] https://ict.go.ug/2023/01/26/ministry-of-ict-and-national-guidance-to-leverage-ai-to-drive-the-ict-innovation-agenda-across-uganda-in-a-partnership-with-sunbird-ai/
- [4] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/uganda-launches-ai-task-force-amidst-youth-outcry-francis-q5kff
- [5] https://nilepost.co.ug/big-interview/200463/big-interview-without-embracing-ai-uganda-risks-losing-trillions-says-dr-muganga
- [6] https://apsdpr.org/index.php/apsdpr/article/view/770
- [7] https://news.mak.ac.ug/2023/09/google-invests-us1-5m-in-mak-ocular-an-ai-automated-mobile-microscopic-diagnosis-of-malaria-cancer-tuberculosis/
- [8] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/404-ai-policy-found-ugandas-lack-legal-framework-concern-michael-dm4kf
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