Government develops national AI strategy, wants Computer Misuse Act Amended

What the report says

Uganda’s government is drafting a national strategy to guide the adoption of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, according to Information and National Guidance Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba. Speaking before the Parliamentary Committee on ICT and National Guidance, chaired by Andrew Ojok Oulanyah, she said the ministry has already carried out studies on AI readiness, current use and priority areas, and that the draft is now awaiting internal management review before being sent to Cabinet.

The strategy is intended to provide a roadmap for the ethical use of AI in areas such as agriculture, health, education, security and public service delivery. Lumumba said the government wants to encourage local skills development and innovation while treating AI as a current policy issue rather than a future one. Committee members urged the ministry to include strong data protection safeguards, support youth training and consider the impact of automation on jobs.

Lumumba also asked Parliament to move quickly on re-enacting the Computer Misuse Act, saying Uganda’s laws are lagging behind the pace of digital change. She linked the request to concerns about misinformation, online harassment, fraud and other online risks, especially after the Constitutional Court struck down some provisions of the law. Oulanyah said the committee would support the digital transformation agenda and examine both the AI strategy and the proposed legal changes once formally tabled.