Uganda has initiated the development of its first comprehensive national policy on artificial intelligence, aiming to steer the country’s adoption of advanced digital technologies while safeguarding citizens’ privacy and rights. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, minister of ICT and national guidance, made the announcement at the 2025 Data Protection and Privacy CEO Conference in Kampala, underlining the urgency for Uganda to adapt rapidly to fast-moving technological change.
Central to the policy’s blueprint is the establishment of a national artificial intelligence task force, which will guide the framework’s creation and future implementation. Led by the Ministry of ICT, the policy intends to provide clear regulations for responsible artificial intelligence use, ensuring ethical deployment while leveraging opportunities for national progress, innovation, and economic transformation. A critical focus will be on data privacy, treated as a non-negotiable fundamental right in the context of rising digital connectivity and expanding data-driven systems.
Dr. Baryomunsi emphasized the state’s responsibility to protect data, highlighting potential risks such as cybercrime, identity theft, and misuse of personal information, particularly as Uganda approaches its 2026 general elections. Policymakers see the artificial intelligence framework as integral to Uganda’s larger digital transformation strategy, positioning the nation as a regional leader in ethical and secure technology adoption. By proactively managing innovation and privacy, Uganda seeks to inspire confidence among the public, attract investment, and shape a resilient digital future for its people.
