We need to educate ourselves on how to use AI well — Experts

KAMPALA - Artificial intelligence (AI) is ideally the most sought-after technology today, being touted as an important tool in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a reason why experts have called for educating masses on the same.

During the 14th Annual Directors and Company Secretaries Conference on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Mestil Hotel in Kampala, Chartered Governance Institute (ICSA) chair for East African Region, Jane Okot P’Bitek Langoya called for embracing AI without bias.

“Artificial Intelligence is reshaping economies, redefining industries, and presenting new opportunities across Africa. From agriculture to healthcare, and security education, AI holds immense potential to drive progress and innovation. So, AI is here to stay. We need to embrace it and see how to ensure that we work with it,” stressed Langoya.

Langoya said they this year delved into AI conversation and its impact globally, nationally, and at Board and Senior levels under the theme, ‘Artificial Intelligence-Transforming the Corporate Governance Landscape’.

The conference was organized in partnership with Chartered Governance Institute UK and Ireland, KPMG, New Vision, Bank of Uganda, Centenary Bank, Shonubi Musoke & Company, and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

Some of the dignitaries who graced the event.

“Currently, in Uganda, we don’t have a law on artificial intelligence, and we must confront the significant challenges AI introduces—challenges that intersect with human rights, ethics, and governance. Therefore, the Ugandan government must establish legal frameworks for AI regulation,” Langoya explained.

In his remarks, Patrick Courtney, a membership coordinator at the Chartered Governance Institute UK and Ireland, called for use of AI as an empowerment tool, and not eliminating any company staff from employment. 

“We must educate our workforce to leverage AI effectively and enhance business expansion, and the challenges associated with AI are not unique to Uganda but are global issues that require international collaboration and innovative thinking. So, let’s embrace AI, and ensure boards mitigate risks, and ensure staff utilize it for the benefit of organisations,” said Courtney.

He added, “AI is evident that without swift and comprehensive legislative action, Uganda as a country or the entire region risk falling behind in its ethical and effective governance, so, it is not an East African problem, an African problem. It's a world problem, and I think everybody has the potential to contribute to finding ways that we can use AI constructively and use it effectively.”

Kyambadde added that having aflame work in which AI can be used and regulated would be important and done at the initial stages, rather than later for the risks if not well-regulated could also be dire. (Credit: Douglas Mubiru)

Regulating AI, its positive aspects 

Peter Kyambadde, from KPMG said AI offers numerous benefits to various sectors, calling for its regulation as early as possible.

“Artificial Intelligence is now transforming governance, and among the things where AI has been seen to be critical, and has made major changes is in health where now with AI, they can actually do an operation without fully opening you up, but using AI tools. 
AI has also enabled personalized learning experiences, so to remain competitive, board members and governance professionals must embrace AI and integrate it into governance structures,” Kyambadde stated.

He explained that AI is used by people, and helps and promotes competitiveness, therefore, “We should get our people more educated about AI because it is human beings that are going to use it. We need to educate ourselves on how to use AI well, and that way, it will help us to be more competitive as organisations, as businesses, and by being more competitive will lead to the expansion of our businesses, and companies, and it will eventually create more jobs.”

Kyambadde added that having aflame work in which AI can be used and regulated would be important and done at the initial stages, rather than later for the risks if not well-regulated could also be dire.

“As such, having such regulations will be very important and we should not look at it negatively,” highlighted Kyambadde.