Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Consultative Forum on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and experts have advised institutions against adopting AI models merely to follow global trends.
They emphasised the need for intentional strategies that align with Uganda’s specific needs and context, especially in education and skills development.
Michael Niyitegeka, Executive Director of Refectory, stressed the importance of broadening access to technology skills beyond formal education systems to reach a larger demographic.
“For example, at Refactory, we get graduates from social sciences, medicine, education—you name it—and skill them in tech. Tech shouldn’t be a reserve for only a select group of people who have learned it in a mainstream setup,” Niyitegeka said.
He added that AI and tech should be inclusive and accessible, with skilling initiatives that cater to diverse groups of learners.
Nesta Paul Katende, CEO of Otic Foundation, echoed the need for deliberate preparations to integrate AI into Uganda’s socio-economic fabric.
He suggested that an AI readiness survey should be conducted to assess the country’s capability to embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“AI presents immense opportunities, but without proper readiness and awareness, we risk widening inequality gaps instead of bridging them,” Katende noted.
The forum, organised by the UCC, aimed to inform Uganda’s AI strategy and promote sustainable digital transformation. It brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss how AI could be harnessed to drive national development.