Your Excellency,
President Yoweri
Kaguta Museveni
I write to you with a grave sense of immediacy and optimism about the destiny of our great nation as Vice Chancellor of Victoria University and a passionate advocate for her progress. My name is Professor Lawrence Muganga, and I have dedicated my career to instilling knowledge and fostering creativity in Uganda. We are at a critical point in our history where what we decide now will impact generations of Ugandans.
This open letter, Your Excellency, implores you to emphasize emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Immersive Technology, Blockchain, Quantum Computing, and machine learning on our national agenda. These state-of-the-art disciplines hold enormous possibilities for driving transformative changes, redefining industries, and uplifting all Ugandans.
We live in an era that witnesses unprecedented technological change, with innovation accelerating at an amazing velocity. Countries that tap into these emerging technologies will not only survive but excel in the future global economy. For Uganda, this moment represents a turning point when we, as a nation, can harness this wave of technology as a springboard for growth and development, underscoring our role and responsibility in this technological era.
Throughout human history, technology has advanced at an ever-accelerating pace. Over 3 million years ago, the first rudimentary stone tools evolved into mind-boggling inventions that reshaped our lives faster than ever before.
The rate of this change can perhaps be best understood by examining the diminishing intervals between major technological revolutions. The Agricultural Revolution, which saw farming take root and societies settle, began around 10,000 BCE after millions of years of minor incremental advances. On the other hand, the Industrial Revolution, characterized by the invention of the steam engine and factory system, happened within a few centuries between the 1700s and 1800s.
More astounding is how many rapid breakthroughs occurred during the 20th century alone! Man’s first powered flight was only 66 years away from the moon landing in 1969. 1974, PCs were already available in the market, and by 1989, the Internet was launched. We have moved from horse-drawn carriages to autonomous electric vehicles even within the span of a single human life or from wired telegrams to phones with touch-screen communication.
However, experts claim that technology’s rapid pace of change is inevitable. Each new invention builds upon previous ones, making it easier for future innovations to be created. According to futurist Ray Kurzweil, “Technological change is exponential… There’s even exponential growth in the rate of exponential growth.”
Autonomous taxi platforms, combining robotics, A.I., and energy storage, are projected to create an $8-10 trillion revenue opportunity within the next 5-10 years. This alone could represent a significant portion of the global GDP, currently at just over $100 trillion.
The productivity of knowledge workers, currently valued at $32 trillion, is expected to increase fourfold. This increase in productivity will drive GDP growth from the current 2-3% range to 6-9% annually, fueled by technological advancements.
The valuation of disruptive and transformative innovations in the global equity markets is expected to grow from $13 trillion to over $200 trillion, representing a 40% compound annual growth rate. This growth reflects the accelerating real GDP, low inflation, and high productivity expected from these innovations.
In our current era, often called the Fourth Industrial Revolution or Information Age, such revolutionary gaps rapidly diminish. Artificial intelligence, Immersive Technology, Blockchain, and other cutting-edge fields are moving at a fantastic speed, with breakthroughs occurring almost daily.
THE POTENTIAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Artificial Intelligence (A.I.), commonly known as machine learning, is a rapidly evolving discipline that enables computers and machines to perform tasks typically requiring human-like intelligence, including visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation. A.I. systems can learn from data, identify patterns, and minimize human involvement in decision-making processes. This disruptive technology is already transforming various sectors globally and has great potential for changing lives in Uganda.
In Uganda, where over 70% of the population is employed in agriculture, A.I. could increase productivity, lower costs, and make farming more sustainable. A.I. optimizes yields, reduces waste, and makes farming more efficient. For instance, AI-operated systems can study weather patterns, soil conditions, and crop health to advise farmers on irrigation, fertilization, or pest control.
Blue River Technology (acquired by John Deere) developed an AI-powered robot called “See & Spray” that uses computer vision to monitor and spray weeds on cotton plants precisely. By targeting only the weeds, the robot reduces herbicide usage by up to 90% compared to traditional broadcast spraying. Imagine if Ugandan cotton farmers could access this technology – it would dramatically cut their herbicide costs, reduce environmental damage, and help manage the growing problem of herbicide-resistant weeds. Over 250 weed species have developed herbicide resistance, causing billions in crop losses annually. AI-guided precision spraying could be a game-changer.
The startup FarmShots analyzes satellite and drone imagery with machine learning algorithms to monitor crop health and identify problems like pest infestations, nutrient deficiencies, or irrigation issues. Picture a Ugandan maize farmer receiving an alert on her phone that a portion of her field is showing signs of fall armyworm infestation, thanks to FarmShots’ A.I. analysis of a recent satellite image. She can then take swift, targeted action to control the pest before it devastates her entire crop. Rather than losing up to half her yield, she safeguards her livelihood and helps ensure food security for her community.
For a country like Uganda, where agriculture is the backbone of the economy, we can accelerate agricultural transformation and build a more resilient, food-secure future by putting these cutting-edge capabilities in the hands of farmers.
Another area in which A.I. has significantly impacted is healthcare. Doctors’ diagnoses can be supported by artificial intelligence algorithms, with some being able to predict potential health risks while others suggest the most appropriate treatment plans. In radiology, A.I. systems can rapidly read and interpret medical images such as X-rays and MRIs with high sensitivity for early diagnosis of cancers, among other anomalies. Consider a future where AI-facilitated clinics in remote Ugandan villages offer expert opinions or chatbots equipped with A.I. deliver personalized advice on health to people who cannot easily reach doctors.
Access to quality education is now a possibility with the current technology. A.I. can power humanoids or even digital teachers that can reach every part of the country, and students can now learn from almost the same experts. A.I. has the potential to personalize learning and improve access to quality education. Intelligent tutoring systems can adapt to individual students’ paces and learning styles by offering targeted feedback and recommendations. Grading papers automatically is another utility of artificial intelligence besides automating administrative tasks, which allows teachers to concentrate on mentoring young scholars along the line of critical thought development. In countries like Uganda, where educational resources are often scarce, A.I. might help address those gaps and provide world-class educational opportunities to every child.
The financial sector, too, experienced transformation due to the introduction of A.I. into its operations. Personalized financial advice may be generated from machine learning approaches that detect forged transactions within accounts or even assess possible credit hazards for individuals. This means they help extend financial inclusion, especially for mobile apps powered by artificial intelligence, like lending platforms in Uganda, where traditional banking services remain inaccessible to many people. Thus, it is easier to save and manage one’s finances.
Cloud pricing optimization is another area where A.I. demonstrates its value. Companies like Airbnb use A.I. to optimize pricing on AWS, manage capacity, and build custom cost and usage data tools, resulting in significant savings. Dropbox, for instance, reduced its dependency on AWS and saved nearly $75 million by using A.I. to optimize cloud costs and operational expenditures.
Voice assistants, chatbots, and conversational A.I. are revolutionizing customer service. Companies like Pentagon Credit Union use chatbots and conversational A.I. to help customers get answers to common questions faster, reducing the load on customer service representatives.
A.I. is also crucial in uptime and reliability optimization. Major organizations like Netflix, Uber, Facebook, Salesforce, and Airbnb employ A.I. to monitor and maintain their services, ensuring they remain available to customers. For companies offering round-the-clock digital services, A.I. helps identify problems before they start, reducing crashes, hacking, and human error.
Predictive maintenance is another significant application of A.I. G.E., which leverages A.I. to analyze data from aircraft engines, identifying maintenance needs to ensure overall safety. Rolls-Royce uses A.I. in predictive maintenance to improve jet engine efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, while D.C. Water employs A.I. tools to monitor water systems and predict maintenance needs.
A.I. has proven invaluable in customer service operations, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Lufthansa Group accelerated its digital transformation to manage overwhelming customer service demands. Unilever uses A.I. to minimize food waste, auto-generate product listings, and filter customer service emails, ensuring efficient operations.
Personalization through A.I. is transforming industries. Atlantic Health System uses A.I. to streamline obtaining prior authorizations, while Johnson & Johnson combines A.I. with robotic process automation to identify and automate complex processes. AT&T has been using process automation since 2015, which has evolved to streamline several processes across the organization.
A.I. also enhances I.T. operations management. Enterprises use A.I. Operations (AIOps) platforms for intelligent alerting, root cause analysis, anomaly detection, incident auto-remediation, and capacity optimization. Delta Airlines has created a full-scale digital simulation environment for its global operation using AIOps to maintain reliability, especially during inclement weather.
These are just a few of many examples. A.I. is already being used across industries. Seeing what technology can do for Uganda as it advances is impressive. Think about AI-supported systems that will optimize traffic flow in Kampala, thereby reducing congestion and pollution. Or where AI-controlled drones are delivering essential drugs to remote village areas. Or when Ugandan ecosystems are threatened by climate change, A.I. can advise on how best to predict and prevent such impacts.
THE POWER OF IMMERSIVE TECHNOLOGIES
Immersive technologies, such as virtual (V.R.) and augmented (A.R.), are changing how we experience and interact with the world. V.R. replaces a user’s surroundings with a digital environment using head-mounted displays, offering a totally immersive experience. On the other hand, A.R. overlays virtual objects on real ones, blending the digital world with the physical one without any evidence of separation. These technologies go beyond gaming and entertainment, transforming industries from education to healthcare to tourism.
In education, immersive technology is responsible for fascinating and personalized learning experiences. For instance, V.R. can take students to historical sites, facilitate the performance of virtual science experiments, or even allow them to travel through space. Meanwhile, AR makes education more interactive by helping children see complex concepts by visualizing them and manipulating objects in computer graphics where possible.
Imagine classrooms in Uganda where students can virtually dissect frogs, visit ancient ruins, or collaborate on projects with peers worldwide without leaving their desks. The value of A.R. in education was expected to reach $5.3 billion by 2023, while V.R. in education was predicted to grow to $640 million. Studies show that hands-on practice, enhanced by V.R. and A.R., has a retention rate of 75% compared to 5% for traditional lectures.
Walmart has been using V.R. to train its employees to handle customers better, preparing them for the hectic Black Friday shopping experience. Such opportunities help enterprises equip employees to provide increased customer satisfaction. VR/AR learners have demonstrated a recall rate of 80% even after one year of training, compared to only 20% after one week with traditional learning methods.
The International Air Transport Association has long used a V.R. platform to train employees in on-ground operations, cutting back damage to aircraft and equipment and reducing training costs. Companies are also using V.R. to train employees to handle emergencies, such as Walmart’s use of V.R. to prepare staff for real-time threats like active shooter situations.
In healthcare, V.R. is being used to train surgeons for complex procedures in a controlled, risk-free environment. Yale University found that VR-trained surgeons performed surgeries 29% faster and with six times fewer mistakes than those trained through traditional methods. Additionally, V.R. is used therapeutically for pain management and conditions related to anxiety and PTSD. A.R. assists surgeons during procedures by providing real-time data for guidance, enhancing the precision and safety of surgeries. In Uganda, these technologies could equalize access to high-quality medical training and services, fulfilling the health needs of all citizens.
The construction industry also uses V.R. and A.R. for safety training. A study evaluating the effectiveness of immersive learning technologies found that VR-based safety training significantly improved learning outcomes compared to traditional methods. The construction sector and others recognize the value of V.R. and A.R., with VR-based enterprise training expected to generate $6 billion by 2022.
Tourism in Uganda stands to benefit immensely from immersive technologies. V.R. can offer virtual tours of Uganda’s beautiful national parks, historic sites, and cultural heritage centers, attracting potential tourists globally. A.R. can enhance these experiences by providing real-time information about wildlife, history, and culture at these sites. By adopting these technologies, Uganda could become a global leader in immersive tourism, innovatively promoting its rich natural and cultural heritage.
V.R. and A.R. have strong potential across various industries, with benefits such as time and cost savings. Thirty percent of enterprises have identified VR/AR learning as a top priority, a 66% increase from 2016. These technologies offer unique advantages in training and education, ensuring learners retain more information and apply their knowledge more effectively.
BLOCKCHAIN – BUILDING TRUST AND TRANSPARENCY
Blockchain is a revolutionary technology that enables secure, transparent, and tamper-proof record-keeping. It’s a decentralized distributed ledger that records transactions across multiple computer networks. Each block also contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, forming unbreakable chain data. This unique structure ensures that once data is recorded on the blockchain, it cannot be altered or deleted without consensus from the network.
The security and transparency provided by blockchain greatly depend on its decentralization feature. Instead of being validated by one central authority, like a bank or government, blockchain distributes such responsibilities across peers’ networks. Therefore, every node in this network keeps a copy of the ledger working together, validating newly created transactions. It eliminates single points, thus making it a highly tamper-resistant system because it can’t attack all nodes simultaneously, which would have been possible if only one point existed.
Another game-changing aspect of blockchain is its transparency. On a public blockchain, all activities are seen, creating a record that can be audited and verified. Transparency, as shown here, could change the way industries such as supply chain management operate, where trust and accountability are necessary; it can also facilitate tracking goods from source to shelf on the blockchain, thus enhancing ethical sourcing and preventing counterfeiting.
For example, Guardtime is creating “keyless” signature systems using blockchain, which are currently used to secure the health records of one million Estonian citizens. REMME is another company developing decentralized authentication systems to replace logins and passwords with SSL certificates stored on a blockchain, enhancing cybersecurity.
In healthcare, startups like Gem are working with the Centre for Disease Control to put disease outbreak data onto a blockchain, increasing the effectiveness of disaster relief and response. SimplyVital Health is developing two blockchain-based health products: ConnectingCare, which tracks patient progress after they leave the hospital, and Health Nexus, which aims to provide decentralized blockchain patient records. MedRec, an MIT project, uses blockchain for electronic medical records, managing authentication, confidentiality, and data sharing.
In financial services, blockchain offers numerous applications. ABRA uses the Bitcoin blockchain for a cryptocurrency wallet that tracks balances in different currencies. Bank Hapoalim is collaborating with Microsoft to create a blockchain system for managing bank guarantees. Barclays has launched initiatives involving blockchain to track financial transactions, ensure compliance, and combat fraud, stating that blockchain is a fundamental part of the new operating system for the planet. Maersk uses blockchain to streamline marine insurance, while Aeternity and Augur allow for the creation of smart contracts and decentralized prediction markets, respectively.
In manufacturing and industry, projects like Provenance aim to provide blockchain-based transparency records within supply chains. Reliance Industries in India is developing a blockchain-based supply chain logistics platform and its cryptocurrency, Jiocoin. SKUChain and Blockverify are other systems that track and trace goods through supply chains, focusing on anti-counterfeit measures in markets like diamonds, pharmaceuticals, and luxury goods.
Governments are also exploring blockchain’s potential. Dubai aims to become the world’s first blockchain-powered state, with initiatives across health records, shipping, business registration, and preventing the spread of conflict diamonds. Estonia has partnered with Ericsson to create a new data center to move public records onto the blockchain. South Korea works with Samsung to implement blockchain solutions for public safety and transport. The U.K. Department of Work and Pensions is investigating using blockchain to record and administer benefit payments through Govcoin and Democracy. Earth is an open-source project enabling the creation of democratically structured organizations using blockchain tools.
In charity, Bitgive provides greater transparency to charity donations, working with established organizations like Save The Children and The Water Project. Retail applications include OpenBazaar, a decentralized market for trading goods and services without intermediaries, and Loyyal, a universal loyalty framework that allows consumers to combine and trade loyalty rewards in new ways.
Real estate, transport, and tourism are also ripe for blockchain innovation. Ubiquity is developing a blockchain-driven system to streamline real estate transfers, reducing friction and expense. IBM Blockchain Solutions is working on non-finance blockchain initiatives, and Arcade City and La’Zooz are community-owned platforms moving ride-sharing and car-hiring onto the blockchain. Webjet is developing a blockchain solution for tracking and trading empty hotel rooms, ensuring fair payment distribution among middle-man sites.
In media, Kodak’s blockchain system tracks intellectual property rights and payments to photographers. Ujomusic, founded by Imogen Heap, records and tracks royalties for musicians while creating a record of ownership of their work.
By adopting blockchain technology, Uganda can address long-standing issues such as land ownership fraud and disputes by digitalizing land titles, creating an unalterable record of ownership. Intelligent contracts can limit intermediaries during property transfers, minimizing corruption and unlocking trillions in dead capital.
Blockchain can revolutionize governance through transparent and secure voting systems, eliminating voter fraud and giving every citizen a voice. Blockchain-based identity management systems can provide secure identities, enabling citizens to access services and participate in the digital economy.
The potential of blockchain in combating corruption is significant. With transparent government spending records and contract awards, corruption levels can be reduced, and officials can be held accountable. This is crucial for countries like Uganda, where graft has impaired development.
By leveraging blockchain technology, Uganda can build a more transparent, secure, and efficient society, positioning itself as a leader in technological innovation and improving the lives of its citizens.
QUANTUM COMPUTING
Quantum computing is a revolutionary technology that harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics to solve complex problems beyond classical computers’ capabilities. Unlike traditional computers that use bits (0s and 1s) to process information, quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously through a phenomenon called superposition. This allows quantum computers to perform specific calculations exponentially faster than even the most powerful supercomputers today.
In healthcare, quantum computers could accelerate drug discovery by simulating complex molecular interactions, leading to the development of personalized medicines and treatments for diseases like cancer. For example, a Massachusetts-based biotechnology company has partnered with 1QBit to use quantum computing for molecular comparison in drug development. Additionally, Cambridge Quantum, in collaboration with Roche and Crownbio, is developing quantum computing techniques to analyze genetic data for cancer treatment.
In finance, quantum algorithms could optimize portfolio management, risk analysis, and fraud detection, enabling more efficient and secure financial systems. Caixa Bank started a pilot program in 2020 to use quantum computing for risk classification models. In 2021, KPMG found that quantum computing outperformed other benchmarking methods in portfolio management for near-term investments. Furthermore, PayPal partnered with IBM in 2022 to use quantum computing in fraud detection.
Quantum computing could revolutionize materials science by simulating and designing new materials with exotic properties, such as high-temperature superconductors or more efficient solar cells. In logistics and optimization, quantum computers could solve complex routing and scheduling problems, streamlining supply chains and transportation networks. DWave, a quantum computing company, has partnered with Toyota to prove that quantum computing performs better in traffic prediction and optimization than existing solutions. Coca-Cola Japan has also started large-scale pilots to explore quantum computing applications in supply chain optimization.
In the automotive industry, companies like Volkswagen are partnering with Google to use quantum computing for autonomous vehicle design, optimizing large autonomous fleets. In the energy sector, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has been working with Microsoft since 2020 to utilize quantum computing for energy optimization. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has established two labs for integrating quantum computing into grid optimization. Additionally, IBM uses quantum computing for precise weather forecasting, serving consumer tech providers like Apple, Amazon, Google, and Facebook.
Insurance companies are also exploring quantum computing. Anthem, a health insurance company, plans to use IBM’s quantum computing solutions for data-intensive tasks such as identifying health anomalies and valuing instruments and premiums in complex cases.
Manufacturing companies are leveraging quantum computing for design optimization. Daimler, for instance, is working with IBM’s quantum computing technology to develop longer-lasting chips. In technology and software, quantum computers could significantly accelerate machine learning processes, leading to breakthroughs in various applications.
By investing in quantum research and education, Uganda could develop a skilled workforce capable of harnessing this transformative technology. Quantum computing could help Uganda tackle pressing challenges such as improving agricultural productivity, optimizing energy grids, and enhancing public health through data-driven insights. Moreover, by establishing itself as a hub for quantum innovation, Uganda could attract international investment and collaboration, fostering economic growth and technological leadership in the region. Quantum computing could also enable Ugandan researchers to make groundbreaking discoveries in fields like materials science, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence, driving scientific progress and improving the quality of life for citizens.
Companies like Google, IBM, Microsoft, and Intel have quantum computing research divisions. Airbus, Volkswagen, and JP Morgan Chase are searching for solutions to some of their most pressing problems. By aligning with these global leaders and fostering local talent, Uganda can position itself at the forefront of the quantum revolution, ensuring a prosperous and technologically advanced future.
THE POTENTIAL OF MACHINE LEARNING
Machine learning (ML) is a rapidly advancing field of artificial intelligence that focuses on developing algorithms and statistical models that enable computers to learn and improve their performance on a specific task without being explicitly programmed. By training on large datasets, ML algorithms can automatically identify patterns, make predictions, and take actions with minimal human intervention.
ML analyses medical images, and diagnoses, predicts patient outcomes, and accelerates drug discovery. Imagine a future where ML-powered systems can detect early signs of cancer from a simple blood test or personalized treatment plans generated based on a patient’s genetic profile and medical history.
Disease breakthroughs, patient monitoring and management, medical data analysis, and management of inappropriate medical data are just a few examples. For instance, Omdena utilized RNNs to predict cardiac arrest by combining sequential and static features. The addition of static features improved the RNN’s performance significantly.
In another challenge, Omdena’s team worked on predicting biological age using A.I. They developed weighted algorithms based on high throughput markers such as activity, diet, and socio-economic status to predict biological age outcomes. This system monitors user attributes and lifestyle actions, adjusting the predictions based on ongoing data.
Machine learning enhances face detection amidst non-face objects like buildings or landscapes, playing a crucial role in surveillance techniques. For example, the Child Growth Monitor (CGM) application uses state-of-the-art neural network algorithms to replace traditional anthropometric measurements, increasing accuracy in detecting malnourished children.
ML algorithms in mapping platforms calculate the quickest routes, reducing traffic congestion and improving punctuality. These algorithms also assist emergency vehicles in finding the fastest routes, potentially saving lives. Integrating deep learning models helps address traffic bottlenecks, enhancing safety and productivity.
Machine learning can improve community safety by preventing, reducing, and responding to crimes. For example, a collaboration with Safecity used ML-driven heatmaps to predict sexual harassment hotspots, enhancing community safety and response efforts.
ML enables precise farming with less workforce. Omdena’s crop yield prediction app uses satellite imagery to improve food security in Senegal. Another example is using ML to detect and assess damage from armyworms in agriculture, helping farmers minimize losses and optimize production.
Voice-based intelligent assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant use ML to set reminders and check the weather. These assistants benefit society by aiding visually or physically challenged individuals, providing companionship, and enhancing daily productivity.
Machine learning helps authorities manage and analyze large datasets from public surveillance devices. For example, Omdena’s team enhanced public sector transparency by using ML to increase access to government contract opportunities, improving accountability and efficiency.
ML maximizes cybersecurity by preventing online monetary fraud. Applications like PayPal and GPay use ML to track transactions and differentiate between legitimate and illegitimate ones, enhancing the security of online financial transactions.
These examples demonstrate the transformative potential of machine learning across various sectors, highlighting its capacity to address complex challenges and improve efficiency, safety, and quality of life. Adopting machine learning could be a game-changer for Uganda’s economic development and social progress. By leveraging ML in critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and finance, Uganda can leapfrog traditional development pathways and build a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous future.
Imagine a Uganda where farmers can access ML-powered tools that help them optimize crop yields and adapt to climate change, where healthcare workers can use ML to diagnose diseases accurately and provide personalized care, even in remote areas, where students have access to adaptive learning systems that enable them to learn at their own pace and reach their full potential. And where financial institutions can use ML to extend access to credit and financial services to previously underserved populations.
THE PRICE OF INACTION
Your Excellency, the potential inherent in emerging technology is just as significant a risk if it fails to adapt them. If Uganda does not act fast and adopt A.I., blockchain, and innovations, we will remain behind in global markets, adversely affecting our nation’s future.
One of the biggest dangers that arise from technological stagnation is increased unemployment. This would result in substantial productivity and efficiency gains when other countries implement A.I. and automation. Their industries will be more competitive while ours will dawdle behind. Most Ugandans may lose their jobs because they lack the skills to participate in the new digital economy where robots are replacing human beings or being outcompeted by tech-savvy workers from other countries.
Another imminent danger is economic stagnation. Countries failing to adopt innovation would miss out on growth and development associated with emerging technologies. While Uganda lags, others might race ahead as it could get into a cycle of low productivity, decreased investment, and diminishing competitiveness. We shall become a backwater technologically relying on other people for tools and innovations driving 21st-century progress.
Perhaps most alarming is the brain drain that can take place if Uganda doesn’t offer opportunities in cutting-edge fields such as A.I. or blockchain technology. It means they leave when some of these best do not find them here. Already, many young, skilled Ugandans are heading overseas for greener pastures. If strong efforts aren’t put in place towards building a robust tech sector, this flight may increase, depriving us of human capital upon which our future hinges.
The costs associated with doing nothing are too high. Missing out on an opportunity to leapfrog conventional development paths would mean no country should ever miss adopting emerging technologies such as those mentioned above to build its economy for the future generation. Such an opening represents an avenue where job creation can be easily achieved, propelled growth, and improved lives nationwide. Other countries will drive the 4th Industrial Revolution, but Uganda will be left to catch up.
Your Excellency, we cannot allow this to happen. Uganda has a young, dynamic population that is eager for any opportunity that comes its way. We have the skills, energy, and passion of entrepreneurs who can lead in the digital age. However, achieving this vision necessitates your foresight and commitment. This is where you can make a difference by investing in emerging technologies, promoting innovation, and developing our human resources to rejuvenate Uganda’s economy.
The risks of not acting are straightforward. The opportunity is there and waiting for us; the question is whether we have the vision and courage to seize it.
I implore you to make adopting emerging technology a national priority that guides Uganda into the future without fear. Indeed, no other stakes can ever be higher than these, while their potential rewards are more transformative.
For this vision to become reality, there are several vital areas where your leadership is required:
Our research education and digital infrastructure investments must increase markedly. This involves support for universities and research institutions, grants for startups or innovators, and the creation of world-class technology hubs nationwide. This could facilitate setting up an ecosystem that supports innovation to make this entrepreneurship thrive in our environment.
We need clear, revolutionary policies that encourage the development and adoption of emerging technologies. These may involve taxes enabling companies to invest in A.I., blockchain, and other new fields, streamlined regulations promoting experimentation and entrepreneurship, and strict intellectual property protections recognizing innovation. When we get the policy right, our people’s creativity will be unleashed.
We must develop strong links between government, industry, and academia to harness the power of emerging tech. Envisage a Uganda where ministries work closely with technology firms on deploying A.I. for better public services; universities partner with startups to commercialize cutting-edge research; and public-private partnerships take digital education and health care to every corner of this country. We can do amazing things if we break down silos and work together.
Your Excellency, you have been a visionary leader who has never stopped adopting revolutionary ideas to transform Uganda. From your early days as a young revolutionary until now, when you are the president of the country, you have consistently demonstrated courage, foresight, and determination towards steering Uganda into a brighter future.
By reducing the need for physical infrastructure and staff, digital labs and A.I. assistants can dramatically lower the costs associated with high-quality STEM education. This can help level the playing field and ensure that all students, regardless of their school’s budget, have opportunities to engage deeply with STEM subjects. Integrating these technologies into Uganda’s education system would be a powerful way to actualize your STEM agenda. It could ignite students’ curiosity, develop their 21st-century skills, and prepare them for future jobs. Strategic investments and partnerships to bring A.I. tutors, virtual labs, and immersive learning to schools nationwide could pay enormous dividends in innovation, economic growth, and social progress.
In a recent speech at the 2024 Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo, I shared an exciting vision for how Uganda’s tourism sector can harness emerging technologies like A.I., virtual reality, blockchain, and robotics to revolutionize how we share our country’s wonders with the world. Picture AI-powered virtual safaris where digital guides narrate breathtaking encounters with our iconic wildlife, from the majestic mountain gorillas to the elusive tree-climbing lions. Immersive cultural experiences could transport virtual tourists into a 360° Ugandan village, where they can join in traditional dances, savor authentic cuisine prepared by virtual chefs, and learn our rich histories from local storytellers.
With blockchain technology, we can even enable virtual visitors to purchase unique digital crafts directly from Ugandan artisans, knowing their transactions are secure and support our local economy. AI-powered robot ambassadors could serve as virtual “Ugandan” guides, ready to answer any question and inspire curiosity about our beautiful nation.
Uganda has an unprecedented opportunity to make our tourism experiences accessible to everyone, fostering global connections and driving sustainable growth in the sector. We can break down barriers and share the Pearl of Africa with the world, tapping into the projected $300 trillion global GDP of the future.
The rapid pace of technological change presents great opportunities and significant dangers for our nation. The potential benefits are enormous – these technologies could enable us to bypass traditional developmental paths, open up new economic opportunities, improve service delivery to citizens, or boost ordinary Ugandan lives.
To truly harness the transformative potential of the emerging technologies discussed in this letter and to position Uganda as a leader in the AI revolution in East Africa, I recommend that you take a bold step in establishing an Artificial Intelligence Agency. This agency would oversee the growth and development of AI and other key technologies.
A dedicated Artificial Intelligence Agency is urgently needed to spearhead our efforts and ensure that Uganda does not merely participate but leads in the AI revolution. While the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance is vital, it cannot meet AI development and deployment’s specialized and rapidly evolving demands. We must be intentional and strategic in our approach, positioning Uganda to capitalize on these technologies’ immense economic and social benefits.
By establishing this agency, we would ensure a focused and coordinated effort in promoting AI research, education, and innovation. It would be a hub for government, industry, and academia collaboration, driving policies that encourage investment, streamline regulations, and protect intellectual property. This proactive stance would attract international partnerships and investments, further accelerating technological advancements.
Your visionary leadership has always championed revolutionary ideas to transform Uganda. This initiative would bolster our technological infrastructure and provide our young and dynamic population with the opportunities to thrive in the digital age.
We must build this future together—a modern, prosperous Uganda that is technologically developed and ready to lead in the 21st-century world. Your Excellency, let us answer this call for action by working day and night alongside all stakeholders to realize this dream.
Though the journey ahead might be difficult, it is worth fighting for its destination. I am confident we shall prevail with your continuous leadership and determination from all Ugandans.
For God And My Country
Yours faithfully,
Dr Lawrence Muganga
VC Victoria University