Simplifi Networks, in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Uganda and the Uganda ICT Association (ICTAU), has held a major half-day forum bringing together business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and technology experts to explore how artificial intelligence can reshape Uganda’s economy.
The event, titled State of AI for Entrepreneurs and Ugandan Businesses, took place at the National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa and attracted participants from across the country for discussions focused on practical opportunities, emerging risks, and the future of AI adoption in business.
The forum was opened by the U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. William W. Popp, who emphasized that artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept but a present reality already transforming economies worldwide, including Uganda. He highlighted the growing Uganda–U.S. partnership in driving innovation, investment, and knowledge sharing as key to unlocking new economic opportunities.
Grace Achire Labong, Director and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at ICTAU, stressed that information and communication technology is not just a standalone sector but a backbone supporting Uganda’s key growth areas, including agriculture, tourism, minerals, and services. She noted that achieving Uganda’s long-term development ambitions will require placing technology at the centre of national planning, while also confirming that work is underway on policy frameworks to guide responsible AI adoption.
International AI expert Vivek Mohindra, who has worked with global firms including Dell Technologies and McKinsey & Company, urged participants to rethink artificial intelligence as a wide ecosystem of tools rather than a single solution. He explained that different AI systems are suited to different problems and encouraged businesses to focus on selecting the right tools for specific needs rather than seeking a one-size-fits-all approach. He also pointed to the rise of agentic AI systems, which can independently make decisions and carry out tasks, describing them as the next major shift in global technology.
Throughout the discussions, speakers repeatedly emphasized the importance of strong data governance, warning that the effectiveness and safety of AI systems depend on how data is collected, managed, and used. They also called for regulatory approaches that protect users while still allowing innovation to thrive.
A shared message from the forum was the need for coordinated national action in three key areas: investment in digital infrastructure such as data centres and energy systems, development of an AI-ready workforce, and flexible regulatory frameworks that can keep up with fast-changing technology. It was also noted that international financing institutions, including U.S. development agencies, are already supporting global tech partnerships in these areas.
Ambassador Popp urged Uganda’s entrepreneurs and young innovators to take a leading role in building the country’s digital future, saying they will be the ones to develop new applications, start companies, and create jobs powered by AI.
The Uganda ICT Association announced that the conversation will continue at its National ICT Summit scheduled for September, which will further focus on how technology can accelerate growth across key sectors.
By the end of the forum, participants and speakers reached a common understanding that artificial intelligence presents a major opportunity for Uganda’s development, but one that will require collaboration, investment, and responsible governance to fully realise its benefits.
