Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds immense potential to transform Uganda’s digital economy, with applications spanning healthcare, education, agriculture, and public service delivery. However, a recent study by Centre for Multilateral Affairs highlights significant gaps in Uganda’s AI policy framework, legal and regulatory mechanisms, and gender inclusivity. The study also produced a policy brief and provided recommendations necessary to advancing a contextually inclusive AI Policy for Uganda. While foundational digital governance frameworks exist, they fall short of addressing AI-specific issues. These challenges, coupled with systemic exclusion of women and marginalized groups, underscore the urgent need for comprehensive and inclusive AI policies.
- Legal and Regulatory Frameworks Governing AI in Uganda
Understanding the Frameworks
The study reveals that while many respondents possess a solid understanding of Uganda’s digital governance frameworks, specific AI-related legislation is inadequate or non-existent. The existing legal instruments, such as the Data Protection and Privacy Act (2019) and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Strategy, primarily address broader digital governance issues and fail to tackle unique AI challenges like algorithmic bias, automated decision-making, and ethical concerns.
Challenges in AI Regulation
- The absence of AI-specific legislation creates gaps in addressing critical issues such as algorithmic accountability, inherent biases in AI systems, and the right to explanation in automated decisions.
- Respondents widely criticized the lack of prioritization of AI by the government, which limits Uganda’s ability to harness AI’s transformative potential.
Existing Efforts and Institutional Mechanisms
- While foundational frameworks like the Digital Transformation Roadmap exist, they lack AI-specific provisions. Amendments to these laws could serve as a short-term solution while Uganda develops a comprehensive AI governance framework.
- Institutional mechanisms, such as the AI taskforce under the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), are criticized for their lack of transparency, inclusivity, and effectiveness. The taskforce has faced scrutiny for minimal public engagement and underrepresentation of women and youth.
Recommendations
- Amend existing laws to incorporate AI-specific provisions addressing algorithmic bias, cybersecurity, and intellectual property for AI-generated innovations.
- Establish gender-sensitive and inclusive governance bodies to ensure equitable representation in decision-making processes.
- Enhance transparency by adopting public consultations and regular reporting mechanisms to build trust in AI governance.
- Gender Gaps in AI Policymaking in Uganda
Exclusion of Marginalized Groups
Women, LGBTQI communities, and other vulnerable groups are largely excluded from AI policymaking processes. Systemic barriers, including Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA), criminalize LGBTQI perspectives, further marginalizing these communities and limiting the inclusivity of AI policies.
Underrepresentation of Women
The male-dominated policy landscape deprioritizes women’s ideas, resulting in a lack of gender-sensitive data and policies. Limited digital skills among women exacerbate their exclusion from AI development and policymaking.
Gendered Impacts of AI
AI systems often reflect global biases, failing to account for local realities and reinforcing inequalities. Additionally, the lack of accountability mechanisms to address gendered impacts, such as online harassment and disinformation, leaves women and girls vulnerable.
Recommendations for Gender Inclusivity
- Conduct gender and human rights assessments to identify gaps in AI governance and ensure policies address the unique needs of women and marginalized groups.
- Establish equitable representation in AI taskforces and decision-making bodies.
- Promote capacity-building initiatives to empower women and bridge digital skill gaps.
- Foster mindset changes to dismantle cultural biases that hinder women’s participation in the digital ecosystem.
- Broader Awareness and Capacity-Building Needs
Education and Public Awareness
The study underscores the importance of broader awareness and education on emerging technologies to foster innovation and drive AI development. Respondents emphasized integrating AI into educational curricula, launching public awareness campaigns, and providing training programs to bridge knowledge gaps.
Global Best Practices and Local Context
Uganda must prioritize context-specific research and adopt global best practices to develop inclusive and effective AI policies. Tailoring these practices to local realities will help address systemic issues like algorithmic biases and gender disparities.
Transparency and Public Engagement
Transparency in AI governance is critical to building trust and fostering inclusivity. Regular reporting, public consultations, and stakeholder engagement are essential to ensure accountability and broad-based support for AI policy initiatives.
Conclusion
Uganda stands at a crossroads in its journey toward leveraging AI for economic growth and public service transformation. However, significant gaps in legal, regulatory, and institutional frameworks—combined with systemic gender inequalities—threaten to derail this potential. To move forward, Uganda must prioritize the development of comprehensive, inclusive, and context-specific AI policies. By addressing existing challenges, fostering inclusivity, and building capacity, the country can unlock AI’s transformative potential for all its citizens.
