STRATEGIC POLICY RESPONSES BY AFRICAN GOVERNMENTS TO AN AI-POWERED WORLD: An in-depth analysis of Uganda’s situation

Abstract The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology across global economies, governance and public services is growing at an unprecedented rate, offering immense possibilities but posing serious policy challenges for African governments. Although AI could be used to boost socio-economic development, increase public sector efficiency and promote innovations, the adoption of the technology poses problems for Africa, including issues of digital sovereignty, governance of big data, cyber-security risks, labour displacements, ethical regulation and dependency on foreign technology. In this regard, the present paper analyses critically the necessary policy responses needed by African governments in the age of AI with special emphasis on Uganda as a case study. Utilizing a qualitative policy analysis method, the study explores national digital transformation efforts, policy frameworks, legal instruments, institutions and regional policies in order to evaluate Ugandan preparedness to adopt AI technologies. Despite the above problems, Uganda has a great deal of potential in using AI in agriculture, health, education, finance, and administration through targeted investment in human capital, digital infrastructure, innovation systems, and regional cooperation. This paper contends that the AI governance systems in Africa need to be context-sensitive, inclusive, and ethical, with digital sovereignty, responsible innovation, local stewardship of data, and capacity-building at their core while being congruent with continental strategies such as the African Union Continental AI Strategy. In this way, this study makes a contribution to the emerging discussion of AI governance in developing countries through policy suggestions that strike a balance between technological development and socioeconomic inclusivity.