Computing & IS
Mak-RIF Researchers Design a Tool to Monitor the Elderly with Dementia & Cognitive Impairment for Emergency Response
Researchers from Makerere University College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), led by a second-year PhD student Paddy Junior Asiimwe have designed a device to monitor elderly people with dementia and cognitive impairment in rural Uganda.
The device, wearable by the elderly (on the hand like a wrist watch or placed in the pocket), will monitor the patients’ movement and location and then signal the caretaker and the hospital in case of emergencies.
This was disclosed during the research dissemination workshop held on 13th October, 2023 for the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) project titled, “Advanced Localisation Techniques on Smart Devices for Inclusive Location-based Services: A focus on healthy ageing for the elderly with dementia and mild cognitive impairment in rural communities”
This project relates to the ageing population that wants to live independent of their children or their children work in far away areas.
The Principal Investigator Mr. Paddy Junior Asiimwe noted that the biggest challenge is monitoring the elderly who are living in resource-constrained environments where access to power, internet, network and access to mobile communication is limited. The other challenge is people being not in a position to read and write.
Most available systems on the market according to Asiimwe assume that there is wireless internet everywhere, which is not the case with our local communities, more so in Uganda.
“So we are designing a system that can monitor these elderly people within their homes and still give accurate results with less power consumption, with less cost, within the limited resources that are available in those communities.
The system, Asiimwe explained, basically monitors elderly people remotely using those limited resources that are available in those rural communities.
“Our device uses GPS technology. I would say GNSS or GPS technology because the system we use now has only GPS. This system works in a way that when we first define a safe zone around a user, in technical term, what we are calling a geofence.
When the user or what we are calling an elderly person is within that safe zone, the system does not need to continue tracking him, and then sends an alert to the caretaker or to the hospital in case of emergencies.
But during that time when the user is within the safe zone, we are using what we call a PDR system. In simple terms, we are using accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer to monitor the position of the user within the safe zone.
And GPS is only turned on when the user moves out of the safe zone. In the long run, since GPS is the biggest consumer of power, we end up using less energy because most of the time the system is turned off when the user is within the safe zone.”, The PI said.
Advantages of the device
This technology according to the PI is better than the systems existing on market and would be best recommended for more resource constrained environments, which is the biggest challenge that we have in Uganda as far as accessing resources is concerned.
“One, our system is going to be cheap. Two, our system is going to operate independent of the user. The users that we have mostly in rural areas cannot read and write, and our system operates independent of them.
Three, one of the biggest challenges in these areas is power consumption, which is an assumption that most of these systems on market make, that power is everywhere. So our system can run on batteries, and these batteries, we don’t need to charge them every week, because, for example, from experiments, we tested and the battery can run for 30 days, which is enough time for someone to go and charge,” Mr. Asiimwe explained.
The technology was piloted in Apac district that formed the base for everything that was designed.
“We had a pilot study. We visited that area, met some families, also met the district administrators who took us around. We also met the administrators of the hospital, and we assessed the environment. And even after developing the system, we went back to conduct the tests. And most of the tests that we are basing on now to make results, were done in Apac district”.Asiimwe said.
Apac, according to the Principal investigator, is one of those districts in Uganda that are less developed and, with the biggest number of elderly people and more so those with dementia. In addition, the research team could easily access other projects that are already done by Makerere, like CityLab, which is already putting internet in Apac, plus some other projects that are running from Makerere that gave a foundation upon which to build the project.
After perfecting the performance of this prototype and, with more funding, the research team hopes to add more sensors to these device. For example, elderly people face the challenge of falling down. So, the team would love to add sensors that can detect when a person has fallen down, which is something very challenging, especially in our communities because people have died in bathrooms as a result of these falls.
The team also looks forward to more funding to add in more sensors to monitor more things like temperature, heartbeat, and other body functions, because the network will be in place to send the information to the caretakers.
“And then the other thing that we can also look at, for example, we had this years’ challenge of COVID. It can also be used for patients for COVID. For example, we want to know, since we were fearing to be near COVID patients, we would use this technology to monitor them within their homes. And that is one thing that we can easily integrate with this system in case there is another outbreak in the near future, God forbid, our system could be a solution “, Asiimwe said
The system can do a lot more like monitoring children in this era of child trafficking among other challenges.
Scientists must do their best beyond the minimum expectation-Prof. Oyana
Presiding over the workshop, the Principal College of Computing and Information Sciences Prof. Tonny Oyana challenged researchers and staff to go beyond certain university metrics that they are expected to meet like publishing two papers for a PhD.
Oyana cautioned scientists not to be taken up by the two papers or publishing for purpose of promotion saying, what excites a good scientist is harvesting many papers and grants.
He advised Ugandans to emulate some universities around the world where scientists write five papers per year. With Uganda’s population of over 40 million people. Professor Oyana urged scientist to go beyond the standard and, the minimum if they are to remain competetive on the Ugandan and world market.
“So please, the work of a scientist is to do your best to be at your best to be optimum. Do four papers, five papers, why not? Remember that if you decide to become a scientist, you should have more. Be excited. Don’t do the minimum. If you set your standard here and you fall here, that’s good, but don’t set your standard too low.” The Principal advised.
Over 1,000 projects funded by Mak-RIF
Representing the Chair Grants Management Committee, the Mak-RIF Engagement Officer Grace Ruto-Cherotich, expressed delight and pride in the fact that the team had been able to reach the dissemination part of the project.
She said the Government of Uganda has taken keen interest in how different institutions of higher learning are contributing to national development.
“So the Mak-RIF was created with the objective of increasing generation of local research and scalable innovations that are specifically meant to impact national development. As Uganda, we have our national development plan. We are committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and so many other international treaties that we have signed as a nation”, she said.
Since the birth of the research and Innovation fund at Makerere, Cherotich said, so far over a thousand projects have been funded. She expressed the need for the PI to patent his product.
“We need to protect it so that by the time we introduce it to the stakeholders out there, it is already safeguarded”
She commended the research team for the multidisciplinary approach, bringing on board doctors engineers and the ICT department adding that, it is one of the Mak-RIF core values and principles.
“We want to see the multidisciplinary aspect because now this is an institution that has, or nurtures different skill sets. We have humanities, we have ICT, we have engineering, and we have medicine. So we want to see how we can leverage all those different opportunities we have, all the different colleges we have, to ensure that we build beautiful things that will cause impact to the nation.” Cherotich stressed.
She said that the Mak RIF research agenda is derived from the national development plan and SDGs with its own internal market area strategic plan focusing on the institution being a research-led, meaning that there is need to put a lot of effort in terms of research and innovations.
In that particular research agenda, she said Mak-RIF has 14 thematic areas and recently did an analysis of which areas in those particular themes have not been focused on much.
Cherotich reported that the thematic area that focuses on public service and productivity of public servants has not really been researched, yet recent discussions with Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Service revealed that Government has made progress in terms of increasing or raising the salary for scientists. However, the result of that is that people are resigning, leaving their jobs to quickly get their pension and start their private business.
“So you ask yourself, where have we gone wrong in the decisions we make as a nation?
Because now that will mean that there’s going to be a very high pension budget, and then you’re going to have less productivity in the workplace. You’re even going to have reduced numbers of civil servants serving in those particular dockets of increased salaries”, she decried.
She implored researchers to do a lot of detailed research and come up with innovations to achieve what is positively impacting the nation.
The engagement officer equally commended the PI for the job well done.
“Paddy has done a lot of work in harnessing ICT to drive development and that is our theme number 11. I want to tell Paddy that we are really, really humbled and at the same time excited that we have a result, we have a product out of the work we have funded at the Research and Innovations Fund.
“And for sure, we currently have the Innovations Hub at the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), which is also funded by Mak-RIF, and focused on commercialization and scaling up of projects that we have already, to help us realize returns on investment. So it’s a good opportunity for you”. She appreciated and said:
“You know, there’s RIF-5 ongoing. So depending on what you would like to do going forward, do you want to focus on IP issues? Do you want to focus on collecting more data to prove that this device actually works? We can monitor and write reports and stories. And I also want to thank you very much for the fact that you have been able to publish. So those are some of the things we can highlight on the Mak-RIF website so that everybody gets to know that there has been good work done out of certain projects.”
Cherotich also notified the team of the availability of an Intellectual Property Management Office also funded by Mak-RIF that works with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) to ensure that IP issues are catered for, as the only way the university can protect her innovations. She urged the research team to think of how they are going to ensure that their IP is protected.
She explained that Government gives Mak-RIF UGX 30 billion every financial year. In addition she said, Mak RIF has other opportunities on offer including competitive grants, multi-year projects, needs-based track, and the PhD track that have been introduced available for Makere University staff and students.
“We have the research support office that guides you through the processes of what you need to do when you have been awarded, and what happens post-award. They take you through contract signing processes, requisitioning processes, and procurement processes.
“We also support you when it comes to issues to do with report writing. We have quarterly reports, and ultimately the final reports. We also have the station where we are right now. We also support the whole process of dissemination. How would you want your dissemination done? How would you do your slides laid out? etc”, she added.
Cherotich advised the research team on the need to involve important stakeholders that can embed their work into the policy environment of the country, or where need be, scale it up beyond the scale of what the Mak-RIF grants facilitate.
Computing & IS
Makerere Launches AI and Data Science Centre to Drive Africa’s Technological Development
Kampala, March 13, 2025 – Makerere University has officially launched the Makerere University Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (Mak-CAD), a hub dedicated to advancing AI research and innovation for Africa’s development.
Themed “Building Responsible AI Research and Innovations for Impact,” the launch highlighted the Centre’s mission to harness AI’s transformative power to address critical issues, improve human development indices, and contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mak-CAD is focused on leveraging AI for Africa’s development, with an emphasis on sectors like healthcare, agriculture, natural language processing, and climate action. The Centre is guided by Responsible AI principles, aiming to develop customized AI solutions, improve data quality, build local expertise, and integrate AI into policy. Its objectives include advancing AI research, training MSc and PhD students, and fostering collaborations with global AI labs.
Spearheaded by Dr. Joyce Nakatumba Nabende, the Centre is funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Canada and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. It collaborates with institutions such as Wellcome, APHRC, Google, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to drive AI innovation in Africa.
Mak-CAD will operate through two research labs: the Makerere Artificial Intelligence Lab in the Department of Computer Science, College of Computing and Information Sciences and the Marconi Machine Learning Lab in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the College of Engineering, Design and Art.
The launch event, held at Block B of the College of Computing and Information Sciences, featured significant activities including a keynote address on the need for AI4D multidisciplinary efforts by Dr. Agnes Kiragga of APHR, a panel discussion on AI4D research themes by a team of experts namely Tumuhamye Nathan (Programme Analyst and Head of Exploration, UNDP); D. Ernest Mwebaze (Sunbird ai), Dr. Edwin Mugume (College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, Makerere University). In addition to PhD students’ presentations and poster viewings of ongoing AI projects and innovations, 10 graduate students were awarded scholarships.
As Makerere positions itself as a leader in AI research in Africa, stakeholders expressed optimism about the Centre’s potential to transform key sectors and contribute to national and continental development.
UK Commits to Supporting Uganda’s AI Ecosystem
Presiding over the launch as chief guest, HE Tiffany Kirlew, Deputy British High Commissioner to Uganda, commended the initiative, emphasizing AI’s role in addressing critical challenges.
“This lab is not just about research; it’s about solutions—solutions that matter to people in health, the environment, food security, and economic growth,” she said. “AI-powered diagnostics developed here could mean faster, more accurate, and more accessible testing for diseases like malaria and tuberculosis, especially in rural areas where doctors are scarce.”
Kirlew highlighted Uganda’s opportunity to build AI solutions tailored to local needs. “Unlike some developed nations that have had to adapt to AI, Uganda has a chance to leapfrog development by creating homegrown AI solutions,” she said.
The UK, she noted, is committed to supporting Uganda’s AI ecosystem through research partnerships, digital skills training, and scholarships. Kirlew emphasized the country’s unique position to develop AI solutions powered by local talent and driven by local challenges. She expressed excitement about the UK’s role in Uganda’s AI and tech journey, mentioning the AI for Development @AI4Dev program, which invests in Africa-focused AI research.
She also highlighted the UK’s digital access program in Eastern Uganda, empowering over 100 entrepreneurs with future-ready digital skills. Reflecting on Uganda’s transformation, she expressed confidence that with the exceptional talent present, Uganda will not only keep pace with the AI revolution but also assume a leadership role.
Kirlew concluded by resonating with Makerere University’s motto, “We build for the future,” expressing eagerness to see the Mak-CAD grow and make a profound impact on Uganda’s future.
Africa Must Embrace AI to Avoid Being Left Behind – Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe
Makerere University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, emphasized the urgent need for Africa to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) to avoid being left behind in the global technological revolution.
“As far as artificial intelligence is concerned; will Africa be left behind again?” he posed. “This is the defining question for us, and Makerere University is determined to ensure that we are part of this technological revolution.”
Prof. Nawangwe highlighted AI’s pivotal role in research, education, and innovation. He stressed the importance of training more PhD graduates who can drive AI advancements across the continent.
“Artificial intelligence is the future of the world. Those who want a good life must harness it,” he stated, echoing the urgency for Africa to integrate AI into its development strategies.
Reflecting on Africa’s educational challenges, Prof. Nawangwe pointed to the need for 1 million PhDs in the next 10 years to lift the continent out of poverty. “We must train like China does. We must contribute to the number of PhDs that the World Bank is talking about,” he urged.
While celebrating Makerere’s global achievements, he also acknowledged the challenge that remains. “Our students have competed worldwide and beaten the best. But why do we keep quiet about our successes?” he asked.
He concluded by urging Makerere to continue leading Africa’s AI revolution, emphasizing that the university must not only contribute globally but also drive transformative change within the continent. “What are we bringing back home?” he questioned, underscoring the importance of making AI a tool for Africa’s development.
CoCIS Principal Hails UK Envoy, Highlights AI Lab’s Achievements
The Principal of Makerere University’s College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Prof. Tonny Oyana, welcomed the UK High Commissioner to Uganda, expressing gratitude for the diplomat’s visit and highlighting the college’s strides in artificial intelligence, data science, and sensor technology.
Prof. Oyana underscored the institution’s commitment to becoming a global leader in technology-driven research. “Our niche in the college is computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, and sensor technology,” he said. “We position ourselves not just as African leaders but as global leaders in this field.”
Prof. Oyana also lauded the recent collaborative efforts with South Korea, noting that the partnership would enhance the college’s infrastructure. “One of the initiatives includes shared workspaces in the new research building and repair of lifts, which will be constructed in collaboration with the College of Engineering,” he revealed.
He acknowledged the contribution of Dr. Joyce, a key figure in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab, crediting her leadership for sustaining the lab’s growth. “We were worried about the lab collapsing, but she has mobilized resources and enabled scientific advancements,” he stated.
Additionally, Prof. Oyana commended Dr. Ernest Mwebase for his pioneering efforts in AI, recognizing his role in training the next generation of scientists. “Dr. Mwebase played a critical role in the development of AI at Makerere, and his leadership at Sunbird AI, Uganda’s first locally owned AI company, is commendable,” he said.
He also highlighted the college’s recent academic achievements, revealing that CoCIS graduated 681 students, including 12 PhD holders—the highest number in the college’s history. “Seven of these PhD graduates were female, a strong testament to our efforts in gender parity,” he added.
Prof. Oyana concluded by reaffirming the college’s dedication to advancing AI research and equipping students with skills for the 21st century. “We promise to be leaders in preparing youthful talent and driving research productivity in AI and sensor technology,” he affirmed.
Just as parents, we must nurture a newborn to realize its full potential- Dr. Balikuddembe
Dean of the School of Computing and Informatics Technology, Dr. Joseph Kibombo Balikuddembe, likened the Centre to a growing plant or a newborn that requires nurturing, strategic input, and constant development to flourish. As a university, the goal is to remain at the forefront of innovation, equipping students and industry players with cutting-edge research and solutions that address real-world challenges—from health and agriculture to language models and policy formulation.
“Today, we celebrate the launch of a new initiative at the School of Computing and Information Technology. Just as parents nurture a newborn, we must cultivate and grow this new endeavor to reach its full potential”, Dr Joseph Balikudembe
Principal of CEDAT Pledges Commitment to AI Research and Collaboration for Smart Solutions at Makerere University
The Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT) at Makerere University Prof. Moses Musinguzi emphasized the importance of collaboration in maximizing synergies between the college’s departments and the growing field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Prof. Musinguzi highlighted the evolving role of technology in both teaching and operations, noting how AI is transforming industries and how it aligns with CEDAT’s mission.
“At CEDAT, we design machines, and with the shift from analogue to digital systems, computing has become central to the design and operation of these machines,” the Principal explained, underlining the deep connection between engineering and computing in modern technology.
Prof. Musinguzi acknowledged that many in the academic community are still familiarizing themselves with AI. However, he expressed confidence that initiatives like the one being discussed would significantly enhance the university’s capacity to understand and apply AI in various fields, including research, teaching, and institutional operations.
Reflecting on his recent trip to South Korea, Prof. Musinguzi shared how AI and robotics are integrated into everyday life, even in the hospitality industry. “In the restaurant we visited, a robot served us. This is AI in action,” he said, noting the profound impact of AI in bridging the technological divide between the global north and south.
He also raised an important question about the role of African universities in this technological shift. “Before we talk about automating Uganda or creating smart cities, why not start here at Makerere University? Let’s lead by example by developing prototypes and testing them on our campus first,” he proposed, emphasizing the role of local solutions in fostering wider societal changes.
In closing, the Prof. Musinguzi reaffirmed CEDAT’s commitment to AI research and collaboration with other colleges within Makerere University. “We look forward to not just producing research papers, but also tangible, real-world outputs that will benefit communities and showcase the innovative contributions of our university,” he said.
Makerere AI Lab Leads Groundbreaking Research in Artificial Intelligence – Project Leader Dr. Joyce Nakatumba
Makerere University’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab continues to lead the way in AI research on the African continent, tackling some of the most pressing challenges in health, agriculture, climate, and language technology. Established in 2011, long before AI became a global phenomenon, the lab has played a pioneering role in applying AI to real-world problems.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Joyce Nakatumba Nabende, the Principal Investigator and a senior lecturer in the Department of Computer Science, reflected on the lab’s journey and its impact over the years. “We started this journey under the leadership of Dr. John Quinn and Dr. Ernest, at a time when AI had not yet gained mainstream attention,” she said. “This was before ChatGPT became a household name, and before artificial intelligence became widely recognized. Our focus was on leveraging AI to solve real-world problems, even before the hype.”
Dr. Nakatumba commended Makerere University for creating an environment that fosters research and innovation. “I appreciate the university for enabling us to do this research. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, has provided immense support in grant management and administration, ensuring that our work continues to thrive,” she said.
Over the years, the AI Lab has grown in scope and impact. Initially focused on malaria microscopy, a project that has since evolved into the Makerere AI Health Lab under Dr. Rose Nakasi, the lab has expanded its research into multiple fields. “We started with malaria microscopy under Ocular, and now our research spans several domains, including agriculture, climate change, and language technology,” Dr. Nakatumba noted.
A significant achievement of the lab has been its role in training and mentoring young AI researchers. “One of our proudest accomplishments is seeing our students grow. We have trained both MSc and PhD students, many of whom started as interns and are now leading researchers in their own right,” she said. “It is fulfilling to watch them take on bigger roles, apply their knowledge, and contribute to the advancement of AI.”
However, AI research in Africa has faced its own set of challenges, one of the biggest being access to data. “Machine learning thrives on data. When we started, we realized that there were no datasets for African languages, health applications, or many other sectors,” Dr. Nakatumba explained. “We have since worked tirelessly to build datasets in health, agriculture, climate science, and language processing. These datasets are now publicly available, not only for our research but also for AI development globally.”
Dr. Nakatumba emphasized that the lab operates under three key pillars: advancing AI science, training students, and ensuring that research translates into practical impact. “People often ask, ‘You’ve done all this research, but is it being used?’ That is our guiding principle—making sure that our AI innovations are not just theoretical but are solving real challenges in society,” she said.
Through partnerships with institutions such as the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), the Uganda Cancer Institute, and the Institute of African Languages, the lab has developed AI-powered solutions tailored to local needs. “From using AI to monitor air quality in Uganda’s urban centers to deploying AI-driven diagnostic tools in healthcare, we align our research with the pressing issues facing our communities,” she noted.
She also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, which has been central to the lab’s success. “Our work goes beyond computing. We collaborate with health scientists, engineers, linguists, and environmentalists. This multidisciplinary approach has helped us secure international grants such as those from the NIH for data science programs,” she said.
Dr. Nakatumba reaffirmed the lab’s commitment to advancing AI research and training more students in the field. “We are moving towards establishing a Center for AI and Data Science at Makerere University. With support from institutions like IDRC and FCDO, we aim to push the boundaries of AI innovation, train more students, and ensure that our work has a lasting impact,” she said.
Keynote Speaker Dr. Agnes Kiragga Calls for Accelerated AI Integration to Transform Public Health and Education in Africa
In her keynote address, Dr. Agnes Kiragga, an expert in health systems and data science, shared a compelling vision for the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transforming Africa’s public health and educational systems. She emphasized the potential of AI to reshape the continent’s future, particularly in addressing the deep health challenges and educational needs that many African nations face.
Dr. Kiragga, a senior researcher at the African Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC) in Nairobi, Kenya, highlighted the importance of AI in revolutionizing healthcare delivery, from infectious disease management to chronic disease prevention. “The digitalization of health systems, driven by AI, is not just a luxury but a necessity if we are to improve access and outcomes, especially in remote areas,” she noted.
She also underscored the significance of AI in the education sector, referencing the continent’s growing youth population. “With Africa’s workforce expected to expand dramatically by 2030, AI-powered educational tools can play a pivotal role in scaling up skills development, particularly in digital literacy,” she stated. She also pointed out that innovations like mobile-based education platforms and AI applications for healthcare could drive progress in regions with limited infrastructure.
While excited about Africa’s AI potential, Dr. Kiragga stressed the urgency of overcoming barriers to digital inclusion, including limited internet access and mobile penetration. “To achieve the transformative potential of AI, we must ensure that innovations reach the last mile, from rural villages to urban centers,” she said.
Kiragga called for stronger collaboration across sectors and nations to create policies that foster AI innovation while addressing data governance and ethical concerns. “AI is data-hungry and needs robust governance frameworks to ensure that it serves the public good,” she emphasized.
As Africa stands on the brink of an AI-driven future, Dr. Kiragga’s message was clear: innovation and strategic partnerships are key to unlocking AI’s full potential for the continent’s development.
UNDP Calls for AI Policy and Practical Applications to Address Uganda’s Development Challenges
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) called for urgent action to elevate discussions on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Uganda, emphasizing the need for a national AI policy and practical AI applications to address key development challenges in agriculture, healthcare, and mobility.
Tumuhamye Nathan, UNDP Program Analyst and Head of Exploration, stressed that AI must be contextualized to fit Uganda’s unique challenges rather than being perceived as an abstract or foreign concept. “We need to elevate the discussion of AI to look at our context in which we operate. If you look at agriculture, how do we use AI to advance technology within this sector? If you look at mobility, what role can AI play in improving transportation?” he stated.
He emphasized that for AI to have meaningful impact, it must be integrated into real-life solutions that resonate with ordinary Ugandans. He illustrated this with an example from his hometown of Kanungu, where many people may not have formal education but still need to understand how AI can improve their lives. “They need to understand AI from the perspective of their real-life experiences. For us, using tools like ChatGPT is about accessing quick information, but how do we communicate AI to someone who has never been to a classroom but still needs to see its value?” he posed.
One of the critical areas where AI can make a transformative impact is healthcare. Nathan highlighted Uganda’s high maternal mortality rate due to a shortage of health workers and questioned how AI can be leveraged to bridge this gap. “We are losing so many mothers because we say we don’t have enough health workers to attend to them during childbirth. How do we use AI to amplify healthcare interventions, ensuring that AI tools support maternal care and other critical health services?” he asked.
He emphasized that AI’s significance lies in its ability to provide practical solutions to such challenges. “The responsible and responsive use of AI should directly address key areas like healthcare, transport, and agriculture,” he noted.
Uganda’s Lack of an AI Policy
Despite the growing importance of AI, Uganda currently lacks a national policy to regulate and guide its implementation. Nathan revealed that discussions with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance are ongoing, with the Permanent Secretary of ICT tasked by Cabinet to spearhead the development of an AI policy. “Everyone is talking about AI, but what does it mean from a policy perspective? If you develop an AI-powered tool for healthcare, how does it fit within government systems if there is no policy framework to support it?” he questioned.
He acknowledged that while it is beneficial to learn from existing AI implementations before developing regulations, the rapid advancement of technology means Uganda cannot afford to delay its policy framework. “Technology is moving very fast, and we cannot wait. We need a policy, and conversations are ongoing. We hope that by the end of this year, we will have made significant progress,” he stated.
UNDP’s AI Capacity-Building Initiatives
To further support AI adoption in Uganda, UNDP is rolling out advanced AI training programs this year. The initiative will focus on building AI models and systems that can address local challenges. “We are not just looking at AI on a digital scale but focusing on practical AI applications. If we have data, how can we use it to develop AI models that solve real problems?” Nathan explained.
The training will include both residential and non-residential programs, equipping participants with hands-on skills in AI development. UNDP plans to collaborate with innovators to identify how AI can support their solutions. “It’s not just about teaching someone how to use ChatGPT. We want to see how AI can help an innovator solve a local problem in a meaningful way,” he added.
Nathan assured stakeholders that UNDP will continue working closely with the government to ensure responsible AI adoption. He stressed that ongoing consultations will help shape a policy framework that ensures AI benefits all Ugandans. “We will be moving around the country, consulting stakeholders together with the Ministry of ICT to ensure that AI is leveraged for the benefit of everyone,” he stated.
As AI continues to shape the future, UNDP remains committed to supporting Uganda’s AI ecosystem through policy advocacy, training, and collaboration with innovators to drive AI-powered development solutions.
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