Uganda has once again emphasized its international dedication to responsible artificial intelligence during the 3rd UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (GFEAI) held in Bangkok, Thailand. Representing the country, Hon. Godfrey Baluku Kabbyanga, Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, delivered a keynote address during the Ministerial Session, presenting Uganda as a continental frontrunner in the development of inclusive, rights-oriented AI.
A key milestone at the forum was UNESCO’s designation of Uganda for the next phase of the Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) a framework used to gauge national capacity to roll out ethical, inclusive, and accountable AI systems. The evaluation will be undertaken by Ugandan experts, with support from UNESCO, and builds on the 2024 “Uganda AI Landscape” study conducted in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Additionally, Uganda will benefit from training under the Supervising AI by Competent Authorities program—a joint initiative by UNESCO, the European Union, and the Dutch Authority for Digital Infrastructure aimed at equipping public officials with skills in ethical AI oversight.
Uganda’s progress in AI readiness has been steadily advancing under the leadership of the Ministry’s Department of Research and Development. Early efforts have involved identifying potential national AI use cases, analyzing policy and institutional shortcomings, and engaging with partners like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to widen stakeholder participation. These activities are now feeding into the creation of Uganda’s National Strategy for AI and Emerging Technologies Governance a blueprint that aligns with both the Digital Uganda Vision and the African Union Strategy on AI. The strategy is being developed with support from the World Bank through the Uganda Digital Acceleration Project (UDAP).
In his keynote address, Hon. Kabbyanga reaffirmed Uganda’s resolve to ensure AI drives dignity, inclusivity, and equitable progress. He remarked, “For Uganda, AI must function as a bridge not a wall to opportunity, dignity, and shared growth.” His sentiments reflected the broader ideals shared by UNESCO Director-General, H.E. Audrey Azoulay, who urged participants to ensure AI upholds human rights, promotes inclusion, and supports shared development aspirations.
The forum was officially opened by H.E. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand, who stressed the pivotal role AI plays in national development strategies. Uganda’s delegation which also included Mr. Ambrose Ruyooka, Head of Research and Development at the Ministry demonstrated both political commitment and technical capability. Mr. Ruyooka emphasized Uganda’s ongoing progress, stating, “We are not starting from zero. Uganda has already taken purposeful steps—from readiness reviews to institutional capacity-building towards ethical AI governance.”
Hon. Kabbyanga also took part in a high-level discussion panel focused on the implementation of UNESCO’s AI ethics recommendations. During the session, he announced Uganda’s intention to launch a National AI Task Force, which will oversee and coordinate AI governance nationwide. The panel underscored Uganda’s active role in global processes, including the ISO-led Global AI Standards Development Process and the ITU’s AI for Good initiative.
Dr. Lidia Arthur Brito, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences, applauded Uganda’s progress and reiterated the organization’s dedication to ongoing collaboration. “Through this partnership, UNESCO is committed to assisting Uganda in building governance systems that uphold ethical values, foster transparency, and ensure that AI contributes positively to sustainable development and human rights protection,” she said.
The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance extends appreciation to UNESCO and all development partners for their continued collaboration. Uganda remains resolute in its vision for an inclusive, ethical, and sustainable AI future for all its citizens.
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