As Uganda prepares for the January 15 elections, the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as both a tool for civic engagement and a serious risk to electoral integrity, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Aminah Zawedde, has warned.
Speaking in her capacity as chair of the National AI Taskforce, Dr. Zawedde said AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present reality shaping how Ugandans access information, communicate, and participate in political life.
“When used responsibly, AI can expand access to information and strengthen democratic engagement. But when abused, it can distort truth, inflame divisions, and erode public trust in democratic institutions,” she said.
According to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), internet penetration in the country has surpassed 50 percent, with social media usage growing sharply among young people, who make up over 70 percent of the population.
Zawedde observed that this demographic plays a central role in shaping political narratives during elections.
Rising Misuse of AI
Zawedde highlighted emerging trends in AI misuse, including deepfake images and videos falsely depicting candidates, AI-generated audio impersonating political leaders, and automated accounts spreading false narratives.
In more extreme cases, she warned, fabricated data has been presented as official election results to undermine confidence in democratic processes.
“The challenge is not technology itself, but how it is weaponised to spread falsehoods faster than verified information, often appealing to fear, anger, or confusion,” she said.
She added that such manipulation can directly interfere with citizens’ ability to make informed choices.
Digital Responsibility as a Civic Duty
The ICT Permanent Secretary urged Ugandans to adopt “digital responsibility” by verifying online content before sharing.
She warned that even casual sharing of unverified information can mislead thousands and distort public debate.
“Verification is not censorship; it is responsibility,” she stressed.
She also flagged risks to personal data, noting that some AI platforms harvest information, clone voices, or track political preferences without consent.
Users are advised to exercise caution when platforms demand excessive personal data or operate anonymously.
Call for Ethical Campaigning and Media Vigilance
Zawedde called on political actors to ensure authenticity in their communications and avoid circulating AI-generated disinformation. She said media houses have a critical role in fact-checking and resisting amplification of unverified content.
Legal Consequences Apply
While Uganda is still developing a dedicated AI legal framework, Dr. Zawedde emphasized that existing laws already govern digital misconduct.
“Election-related offences remain illegal whether committed offline or online. Misusing AI to mislead or manipulate the public carries serious legal consequences,” she said.
Youth as Key Defenders of Truth
Despite often being portrayed as vulnerable to misinformation, young Ugandans, she said, are a vital defence against digital deception.
Their influence in shaping online discourse and demanding accountability from leaders can help protect democratic integrity.