Uganda Needs a Clear AI Governance Framework to Protect Digital Rights

The increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in Uganda highlights the need for a structured national policy to safeguard citizens’ digital rights. It is projected that by 2030, AI will contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy. Africa will generate $1.2 trillion of that total, enhancing the continent’s GDP by 5.6%. While AI offers immense opportunities for economic and technological advancement, it also presents risks to personal freedoms and privacy. To address this, Uganda must develop a regulatory framework that fosters trust, ensures ethical AI use, and encourages innovation while safeguarding public interests.

Discussions on AI governance in Uganda remain in early stages. The country currently lacks an AI-specific legal and institutional framework. Existing regulations primarily focus on broader technological policies and do not provide sufficient oversight for AI’s unique challenges and risks. While laws covering data protection, cybersecurity, and digital transactions exist, they do not comprehensively regulate AI’s impact on human rights, security, and ethical considerations.

A new policy brief from the Collaboration on ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) examines AI regulations in countries such as Kenya, South Africa, Singapore, Luxembourg, France, and Germany. The report outlines 11 recommendations Uganda could implement to establish a robust AI governance framework.

Several national strategies address digital transformation and innovation, though none focus exclusively on AI. The Uganda Vision 2040 emphasizes science, technology, engineering, and innovation as key to economic growth.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Strategy aims to drive Uganda’s transformation by integrating AI in public sector operations, particularly in financial management and tax collection. The Third National Development Plan (NDP III) promotes digital transformation, including AI adoption, to help achieve Uganda’s goal of becoming a middle-income country.

While Uganda does not have AI-specific legislation, several laws influence AI governance. The Constitution provides the foundation for technological and scientific development policies while safeguarding privacy, equality, and freedom from discrimination.

The Data Protection and Privacy Act (2019) governs the handling of personal data, which is critical for AI-related applications. The Computer Misuse Act (2011) outlines regulations on unlawful computer use and digital security.

The National Information Technology Authority (NITA-U) Act establishes NITA-U, the regulatory body overseeing IT infrastructure and AI-related policies. While these regulations provide a starting point, a dedicated AI policy is needed to address AI-specific risks and opportunities effectively.


AI has the potential to improve efficiency across multiple sectors, including healthcare, finance, manufacturing, agriculture, and education. Government agencies, such as the Uganda Revenue Authority, already use AI for more effective revenue collection. Similarly, Uganda’s telecommunications operators are also utilizing AI, for example, to send targeted messages that encourage users to subscribe to loan offers such as Airtel Wewole and MTN MoKash. However, without proper regulation, AI’s benefits could be undermined by ethical concerns, biases, and security risks.

Key Actions for AI Regulation in Uganda
As Uganda’s journey of AI adoption and usage gains traction, the following guiding actions that underlie progressive AI frameworks across various countries could help quicken and offer direction to Uganda’s AI aspirations.
1. Create a National AI Governance Framework. This can be done by establishing a dedicated regulatory body to oversee AI development and implementation.

2. Develop and implement a framework for AI best practices. The government can implement a flexible policy that adapts to evolving AI advancements, similar to Singapore’s model.

3. Implementation of checks and balances through the creation of specific policies and regulations for AI use. These will address AI risks, ensuring collaboration among key regulatory bodies such as the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, Uganda Communications Commission, and NITA-U.

4. Learn from International AI Frameworks. Draw insights from the African Union’s AI Policy and the European Union’s AI Act to shape Uganda’s strategy.

5. Establish a National AI Research and Innovation Fund that will allocate resources to support AI research and development.

6. Develop a national AI strategy that will align AI adoption with Uganda’s economic and social goals through coordinated policy efforts.

7. Promote public awareness and education on AI that will prepare citizens for better AI engagement covering aspects like use, risks, and ethical considerations.

8. Implement AI ethics enforcement mechanisms that will monitor AI deployment and ensure adherence to ethical standards.

9. Enhance cybersecurity measures and establish protocols to mitigate AI-related security risks.