Seventy years ago, a group of scientists gathered at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, U.S., to discuss the possibility of machines simulating human intelligence. This meeting, known as the 'Dartmouth Summer Research Project on Artificial Intelligence', marked the beginning of the AI field. The scientists proposed that if human intelligence could be described precisely enough, a machine could learn to simulate it. This idea has since evolved, and AI is now being used in various sectors in Uganda.
The development of AI has not been a straightforward process. The field experienced its first "AI winter" when governments and companies lost patience with the technology's slow progress. However, the second revolution in AI began when researchers started teaching machines how to learn from enormous amounts of data. The internet and powerful computers enabled the training of neural networks, leading to breakthroughs in image recognition and other areas.
In 2012, three University of Toronto researchers demonstrated the power of neural networks with their system, AlexNet, which outperformed competing systems in image recognition. This breakthrough led to the development of more advanced AI systems, including ChatGPT, which was released in 2022 and can answer questions, draft essays, and hold conversations in human-like language.
Uganda is now embracing AI in various sectors, including agriculture, finance, healthcare, education, aviation, and government. The country's Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) is an example of AI entering everyday life. The system combines digital number plates, tracking devices, CCTV, and data analytics to identify and monitor vehicles. However, digital-rights groups have raised concerns about the system's potential for mass surveillance.
The ITMS has been developed with Russian company Joint Stock Company Global Security and uses AI, data analytics, and the Internet of Things. An investigation by The Independent revealed that the system can integrate vehicle information with CCTV and other government databases to facilitate comprehensive vehicle and personal identification. However, there is little evidence to show that the system has reduced vehicle theft or vehicle-enabled crime.
The Ugandan government has discussed the potential of AI in various sectors, including agriculture, health, finance, education, tourism, manufacturing, and research. The Ministry of ICT's 2026 strategy consultations cover these areas, and companies such as Agric-Care Uganda are exploring the use of AI in agriculture. UNESCO has also validated Uganda's AI Readiness Assessment, which aims to ensure that the country adopts and governs AI responsibly.
As AI becomes increasingly prevalent in Uganda, concerns have been raised about its potential impact on human rights and data protection. Human Rights Watch has called for stronger oversight and human-rights protections, while CIPESA has warned that the ITMS could enable authorities to track the location of vehicles and build detailed records of people's movements.
Key points
- Uganda is embracing AI in various sectors, including agriculture, finance, healthcare, education, aviation, and government.
- The country's Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) is an example of AI entering everyday life, but digital-rights groups have raised concerns about its potential for mass surveillance.
- The Ugandan government has discussed the potential of AI in various sectors and has validated its AI Readiness Assessment with UNESCO.
