Stakeholders in Uganda’s higher education sector have been urged to remain focused on their core mission while adapting to rapid technological changes, including the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The call was made during the 6th Annual Higher Education Conference, organized by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).
The conference serves as a key platform for assessing the progress and impact of higher learning institutions in shaping national development.
Minister for Education Janet Kataaha Museveni emphasized the importance of setting clear and measurable goals to ensure continued progress in the sector.
“The national vision of societal transformation from peasantry to a modern and prosperous nation requires graduates with appropriate competencies, values, and attitudes such as patriotism,” Museveni noted. She stressed the need for regular evaluation to ensure that educational institutions remain aligned with their founding objectives and the country’s development needs.
A key focus of the conference was the impact of technological advancements, particularly in AI.
The minister highlighted concerns about how higher education institutions are coping with rapid technological evolution, especially within a socio-economic context that differs significantly from more technologically advanced nations.
“Artificial Intelligence—the science of creating computer systems that mimic human intelligence—is still not well understood by many within our institutions, yet it has become an integral part of daily life, from mobile phones and digital appliances to transportation and office equipment,” she said.
Despite AI’s growing influence, the minister cautioned against adopting new technologies without careful consideration.
“With every innovation, it is wiser to neither jump into the deep end of the swimming pool nor feel the waters with both feet but rather to move forward cautiously and systematically.”
She also acknowledged the role of universities and colleges in technological innovation, noting that higher education has historically played a crucial role in advancing AI and other scientific breakthroughs.
However, she stressed the need to balance technological adaptation with maintaining the fundamental principles of education and national development.
The minister called on institutions to continuously monitor their progress and reassess their goals to remain relevant in an increasingly digital world.
The conference underscored the importance of embracing innovation while ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to contribute to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.