The State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Godfrey Kabbyanga, has revealed that the government is establishing a national task force on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to guide its responsible and beneficial use in Uganda.
Kabbyanga made the announcement during the Digital Africa Summit, noting that while AI offers significant opportunities, it also presents challenges that require a regulatory framework to safeguard citizens and businesses.
He emphasized that alongside AI, the government is prioritizing the expansion of network infrastructure to reach underserved and remote areas, ensuring that digital growth benefits all Ugandans.
Angela Wamola, Head of Africa for the Global System for Mobile Communications Association, highlighted that although two out of every four Ugandans own a digital device, many have never gone online due to limited digital literacy and a lack of relevant local content. She stressed that device ownership alone does not guarantee connectivity.
From the private sector, MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge called for policy reforms that integrate digital literacy and smartphone affordability as key drivers of connectivity. Airtel Uganda Managing Director Soumendra Sahu underscored the importance of collaboration between government, regulators, and telecom operators to expand digital access.
Participants also agreed that electricity access remains critical to achieving digital inclusion and must be prioritized alongside network expansion.
The summit brought together stakeholders from government, the private sector, and development partners to shape strategies that will accelerate Uganda’s digital transformation and empower citizens to thrive in a connected Africa.