Makerere University Showcases AI-Pod report

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda reported that Makerere University hosted an interim showcase for the AI-Enhanced Platform for Opportunity Development, or AI-POD, bringing together representatives from government, academia, industry and the student community. The event focused on progress under the Uganda–Japan AI-POD Internship Project, which is being presented as a pathway for building Uganda’s AI-enabled digital talent and linking young innovators to global opportunities.

According to the report, students from Makerere University, the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology, and the International University of East Africa have been working for several months through the Akademia Internship Programme. Their projects include tools identified as AI Translation Checker, AI-POD Daily Report System, AI Avatar, AI World, AI-DOJO and AI-Recruiter. The publisher said these are intended to support translation, cross-cultural communication, recruitment, business interaction and international collaboration, with some solutions now considered ready for pilot use and business trials.

Robert Bob Okello, founder and chief executive of Maarifasasa Limited, delivered the keynote presentation and urged young professionals to prepare for emerging international demand for digital skills, including in Japan. Watchdog Uganda reported that he pointed to professional attitude, relevant technical skills, stronger links between universities and industry, and digital infrastructure as important conditions for success.

Officials speaking for the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance welcomed the initiative as a way to develop local talent and turn student innovation into businesses that can create jobs. The report said the programme, which began earlier this year with 12 students, has expanded to nearly 40 young innovators working on six AI-powered projects.