Uganda is positioning itself at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution by implementing strategic initiatives aimed at integrating advanced technologies into its socio-economic fabric. Central to this effort is the establishment of the Expert National Task Force on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, as well as collaborative projects with global tech giants, such as the Government of Uganda-Huawei partnership for a facial recognition system. These initiatives underscore Uganda’s commitment to harnessing the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for national development while navigating the complexities of AI regulation and governance.
In 2019, Uganda set up a national task force specifically designed to guide the government on how to effectively integrate technological advancements stemming from the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This task force aims to provide expert advice on creating a conducive environment for the adoption of AI and other emerging technologies, thus accelerating the country’s economic development. The overarching goal is to foster a digital ecosystem for AI and ensure an enabling policy environment. By doing so, Uganda hopes to leverage AI for economic growth, improved public services, and enhanced quality of life for its citizens.
Also launched in 2019, the partnership between the Government of Uganda and Chinese technology giant Huawei represents a significant step in the country’s AI landscape. This collaboration involves the deployment of a facial recognition surveillance system that employs AI to identify and log the identities of individuals in public spaces. This initiative highlights Uganda’s proactive approach to utilizing AI for security and surveillance purposes. However, it also raises important questions regarding privacy, data protection, and the ethical use of AI technologies.
To ensure the successful integration of AI into various sectors, Uganda is also focused on creating an enabling policy environment. This includes developing regulatory frameworks that address the ethical, legal, and societal implications of AI. Policies must balance the benefits of AI with potential risks, ensuring that AI systems are transparent, accountable, and aligned with the country’s socio-economic goals. Additionally, there is a need for continuous dialogue between policymakers, technologists, and the public to address concerns related to AI deployment.