Uganda’s ambition to become a regional leader in artificial intelligence

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Uganda’s ambition to become a regional leader in artificial intelligence took center stage at the Uganda DeepTech Summit during National Science Week 2026. Under the theme “Positioning Uganda as a Regional Gateway for Applied AI Innovation,” policymakers, researchers, and technology experts stressed the urgent need to reform Uganda’s education system to meet the demands of the AI-driven economy.

A major concern raised at the summit was the growing mismatch between what students learn in schools and the practical skills required in modern technology industries. Experts noted that Uganda’s education system, largely inherited from colonial frameworks, remains too theoretical and disconnected from real-world innovation.

Speaking at the summit, Monica Musenero Masanza emphasized the need to transform scientific knowledge into economic value, industries, and jobs. She highlighted findings from Uganda’s latest STI report, which revealed low levels of industrialisation and commercialisation despite ongoing investments in science and technology.

Participants also warned that Africa contributes only about 1% of global AI compute capacity, leaving countries like Uganda heavily dependent on foreign technologies that often fail to address local realities. As a result, the summit called for the development of locally built AI solutions tailored to sectors such as agriculture and healthcare.

Stakeholders proposed stronger collaboration between academia and the private sector, practical training for students, and upskilling teachers to embrace AI tools in classrooms. While Uganda still faces challenges such as limited research funding and infrastructure gaps, the summit concluded with optimism that the country can build a competitive AI future through innovation, education reform, and locally driven solutions.