AI in Uganda has emerged as a transformative force, just like it is elsewhere. It is reshaping global economies, industries, and societies.

For Uganda, AI is a powerful tool to drive national development. It helps achieve the goals set out in Vision 2040. These goals include economic modernisation, technological advancement, and improved service delivery. Nevertheless, AI’s disruptive potential also presents challenges, particularly in contexts where policy, regulatory frameworks, and governance systems are still evolving.

In Africa, the discourse around AI increasingly highlights the importance of ensuring AI technologies are used for inclusive, sustainable development. It focuses on addressing local challenges. Additionally, it emphasizes creating equitable opportunities.

Uganda, like other African countries, faces the dual challenge. It needs to develop a robust AI ecosystem to drive economic growth. Meanwhile, it must manage the risks posed by AI. In this context, the role of multi-stakeholder collaboration, particularly involving the private sector, is critical.

This concept paper suggests a collaborative initiative led by the private sector. It is the best approach for Uganda to fully realise the benefits of AI. It also explores ways for Uganda to gain support from global AI partnerships.

These partnerships include the African Union (AU), the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI), and the U.S. Partnership for Global Inclusivity on AI. This support aims to promote responsible AI development and innovation.

The Role of AI in Uganda’s National Development Agenda

AI has tremendous potential to drive national development in Uganda. It can increase productivity and foster innovation. AI also improves service delivery in key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and governance.

Predictive analytics can boost farmers and farming by optimising crop yields. It also enhances food security. Additionally, it improves supply chain management.[1] In healthcare, AI can enhance diagnostic capabilities improve patient care, and expand access to services in underserved rural areas.

In education, AI can be applied to personalise learning systems to match students’ learning abilities. It can also help improve teacher training. Additionally, it aids in curriculum development.[3] Indeed, it is becoming impossible to imagine research without the exploitation of different capabilities of AI.

Read more on this in the article attached below and share your comments.

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[1] In Kenya, AI helps farmers to identify crop diseases through smartphone apps like Nuru https://mel.cgiar.org/projects/-15/210/nuru-mobile-phone-app-is-being-scaled-out-to-help-farmers-in-sub-saharan-africa-identify-and-manage-cassava-diseases

[2] In Rwanda, AI-powered drones deliver medical supplies and blood to remote locations https://reachalliance.org/case-study/ziplines-impact-on-health-outcomes-of-the-hardest-to-reach-in-rwanda/

[3] In China, millions of students access high-quality personalised tutoring an AI tutor called Squirrel AI, https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/07/ai-tutor-china-teaching-gaps/

20250412_Collaboratiion-Between-the-Government-and-Private-Sector-to-Develop-National-AI-Policy-and-Regulatory-Environments-AN