The Government of Uganda has embarked on the process of drafting a national policy on artificial intelligence (AI) as part of the efforts to regulate the fast-evolving technology and harness its potential for innovation and national development while addressing the challenges that come with it.
“We have embarked on the process of drafting a policy on artificial intelligence, and I will, in the coming days, appoint a national task force to guide us on the issue of artificial intelligence, because technology is evolving, and we must move fast to catch up with the speed at which technology is moving,” the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi said on Thursday.
Spearheaded by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, the policy will establish a regulatory framework that promotes responsible innovation, safeguards data privacy, and positions the country to benefit from the global AI revolution.
“When you look at the issue of data privacy and protection and the emerging technologies, artificial intelligence and other technologies, it becomes very essential that as a country, we move fast to embrace these technologies, integrate them in our work, and ensure that we don’t suffer the side effects or the negative effects of these advances in technology,” Baryomunsi said.
Digitalization holds immense potential, transforms lives, connects communities, and grows economies. The proliferation of social media platforms, mobile applications, and smart devices has brought an emerging convenience but has also introduced serious risks, particularly cybercrimes, misuse of personal data, and the exclusion of vulnerable populations.
“As government, we do believe that data protection is ultimately about protecting people’s rights, their identities, and their futures. In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and data-driven innovation, we must ensure that technology works for humanity and not against it,” said Baryomunsi.
The minister was speaking at the Data Protection and Privacy CEO Conference 2025, organized by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
Baryoumunsi said that data privacy and protection is no longer a luxury, noting that it’s a fundamental right.
“It is the ability to control who has access to your personal information, how it is used, and whether it is protected, and in today’s interconnected world where data breaches, identity theft, and cybercrime are on the rise, we can no longer take this right for granted, especially for us, who are the public space and the state as
political actors. It is very important to keep a keen eye on our personal data,” he said.
Privacy is a key area that all people must observe. Without adequate data protection, private conversations, financial records, photos, and even biometric information can be misused, putting people’s security, dignity, and livelihoods at a very big risk.
As Uganda gears up for the 2026 general elections, data protection and privacy are very essential.
Some actors in the political environment can use their opponents’ data to decampaign them among the electorate.
Government, Baryomunsi said, carries the responsibility to champion innovation while protecting citizens’ information.
