Uganda has taken a bold step toward governing the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) by establishing a national taskforce to guide the safe, ethical and inclusive use of emerging technologies across the country.
The initiative announced by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance seeks to ensure that as the world races ahead in AI innovation, Uganda develops its own roadmap to harness technology for growth while protecting citizens, businesses and national interests.
According to State Minister for ICT and National Guidance Godfrey Kabbyanga, the taskforce will serve as a think-tank for government, bringing together experts from the public sector, academia, private industry, and civil society to design policies, standards and safeguards for AI use in Uganda.
“Artificial intelligence is transforming every aspect of life from healthcare and education to agriculture and finance. Uganda cannot afford to be left behind, but we must innovate responsibly and within clear ethical boundaries,” Kabbyanga said during the launch.
The formation of the taskforce comes at a time when governments worldwide are grappling with the promise and risks of AI. ranging from improved service delivery to concerns over privacy, bias and data security. The Ugandan government says its focus will be on ensuring that technological advances promote inclusion, human dignity and accountability.
The taskforce will also identify key sectors where AI can accelerate national development goals, including precision farming, digital health and smart public services. Its work will complement existing legal frameworks such as the Data Protection and Privacy Act, while recommending new measures to address the evolving realities of AI governance.
Private-sector leaders have welcomed the move, describing it as timely for a country whose digital transformation is expanding rapidly. Industry experts say the initiative could position Uganda as a regional hub for responsible AI development if it is supported with the right expertise, infrastructure, and enforcement mechanisms.
As Uganda steps deeper into the digital era, the new AI taskforce is expected to act as both a guardian and a guide ensuring that innovation serves people first and technology remains a tool for inclusive progress rather than a source of inequality or harm.