Uganda is firmly positioning itself at the forefront of ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI) development, demonstrating a strong commitment to harnessing this transformative technology for the promotion of human dignity, inclusion, and shared prosperity.
This week, at the 3rd UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Bangkok, Thailand, Hon. Godfrey Kabbyanga, the Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, alongside Ambrose Ruyooka, the Assistant Commissioner and Head of Research and Development at the Ministry, reaffirmed Uganda’s progressive stance on AI governance.
In his keynote address at the Ministerial Session, Minister Kabbyanga articulated Uganda’s unwavering dedication to developing a robust, ethical, and inclusive AI governance framework.
His message resonated with UNESCO’s global vision, emphasising that for Uganda, “AI must serve as a bridge, not a barrier, to opportunity, dignity, and shared prosperity.”
This commitment, according to the Minister, aligns with Uganda’s broader Digital Transformation Roadmap (2023/24-2027/28), which aims to leverage emerging technologies for economic growth, improved public services, and empowered citizens.
Uganda’s AI Readiness Journey
A significant highlight of the forum was UNESCO’s selection of Uganda for the next phase of its AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM).
This crucial tool will assess Uganda’s preparedness for the ethical, inclusive, and accountable deployment of AI, providing detailed insights into institutional and regulatory gaps.
The Minister noted that this builds on previous evaluations, including the 2024 “Uganda AI Landscape” assessment supported by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
As part of this collaboration, UNESCO will also support the training of Ugandan public servants under the “Supervising AI by Competent Authorities” initiative, a partnership with the European Union and the Dutch Authority for Digital Infrastructure, aimed at strengthening ethical AI oversight.
Ruyooka underscored Uganda’s proactive approach, stating, “Uganda is not starting from zero.”
He highlighted the country’s foundational work, which includes:
Readiness assessments
He revealed that the government is already conducting assessments to understand the national AI landscape and identify specific use cases.
Stakeholder engagement
Broad consultations across government, academia, the private sector, and civil society to ensure diverse perspectives inform policy are also being done.
Institutional capacity building Efforts to strengthen the capabilities of relevant government bodies and professionals in managing and overseeing AI are also being implemented by the government, according to Ruyooka.
National AI Taskforce
Uganda’s commitment to implementing UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI is unequivocal.
This global standard, adopted by 193 Member States, provides a comprehensive framework for ethical AI development and deployment, covering principles such as fairness, transparency, accountability, and privacy.
To spearhead this transformative journey, Kabbyanga revealed that Uganda is set to launch a National AI Task Force, which will be instrumental in coordinating and guiding the country’s AI governance efforts, including the development of a National AI Strategy and, eventually, an AI Act.
Why Ethical AI Governance Matters
For a developing nation like Uganda, establishing a strong and ethical AI governance framework is paramount.
The benefits extend far beyond technological advancement as they include fostering trust and public acceptance, ensuring fairness and inclusivity, protecting human rights and freedoms, and driving responsible innovation, among others.
Uganda’s proactive engagement at the UNESCO Global Forum on AI Ethics signifies its ambition to harness the immense potential of AI responsibly and inclusively.
By building on existing groundwork, fostering international partnerships, and prioritising ethical principles, Uganda is not only shaping its digital future but also serving as an inspiring model for other nations in Africa and beyond.