UCC urges shift from AI fear to embrace of benefits

KAMPALA — The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has launched an ambitious Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiative aimed at leveraging the transformative potential of the technology to advance the nation’s development goals. The initiative was unveiled by UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo, who underscored the importance of shifting from a mindset of apprehension to one of appreciation for AI’s capabilities.

“We shouldn’t fear AI, but rather seek to understand its benefits,” Thembo asserted. “AI has the potential to revolutionize key sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and education, driving sustainable growth and improving public services.”

Uganda is making significant investments in digital infrastructure, including high-speed internet and data centers, to foster the growth of AI and other emerging technologies. This investment is part of a broader strategy to establish Uganda as a leader in Africa’s AI landscape.

“As we embark on this transformative journey, it is imperative that we address the AI skills gap in our country,” Thembo said. “We cannot afford to be left behind in the AI revolution. We must invest in developing the skills and expertise needed to drive AI adoption and innovation in Uganda.”

Despite current efforts to promote AI awareness and education, Thembo acknowledged that more work is needed to bridge the skills gap. He emphasized the need for a collaborative effort involving government, academia, and industry to develop AI training programs, scholarships, and research initiatives.

“We need to develop a robust AI workforce that can drive innovation and entrepreneurship in Uganda,” he added.

In support of this vision, the UCC has established a task force on AI to formulate a national AI strategy and provide guidance on the development and deployment of AI solutions.

Rebecca Mukite, Head of Communications and Infrastructure Services at the UCC, highlighted the foundational role of data in AI development. “Data is the foundation of AI, and the quality of data determines the quality of decisions made by AI systems,” Mukite said. “We need to prioritize the development of high-quality data infrastructure to support AI innovation.”

Mukite also stressed the importance of research and innovation. “AI systems require extensive research and testing to ensure they are safe, reliable, and effective,” she said. “We need to create an environment that fosters innovation and collaboration among researchers, developers, and users.”

To ensure the success and interoperability of AI systems, the UCC is working to establish a standardized framework for AI innovation based on international standards and best practices. Mukite noted the collaboration with international organizations, such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), to develop these standards.

“Standards are essential for ensuring that AI systems are interoperable, secure, and reliable,” she said. “Consensus-based standards ensure that AI systems are developed with the needs and concerns of all stakeholders in mind.”

The UCC’s AI Consultative Stakeholder Workshop, which brought together participants from government, academia, and industry, underscored the need for a comprehensive AI strategy. The discussions at the workshop focused on addressing the skills gap, infrastructure development, and regulatory frameworks necessary for AI advancement in Uganda.

“AI has the potential to drive economic growth, improve healthcare outcomes, and enhance education in Uganda,” Mukite concluded. “We need to work together to create an environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and standardization in AI development.”