The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance has named Dr. Lawrence Muganga, the Vice Chancellor of Victoria University – Kampala to the country’s inaugural National Artificial Intelligence Taskforce.
The appointment, was communicated by Permanent Secretary Dr. Aminah Zawedde as the country seeks to craft policies that harness AI’s potential while safeguarding ethical standards.
Dr. Muganga, a seasoned education reformer, expressed profound gratitude to the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology and National Guidance for the honor. He singled out Dr. Zawedde for orchestrating its kickoff meeting, as well as Information Minister Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi and State Minister for ICT Hon. Joyce Ssebugwawo for their confidence in his expertise.
“This is a pivotal moment for Uganda,” Dr. Muganga said in a statement.
“We must ensure AI adoption and regulation are ethical, inclusive, secure, and aligned with global best practices, positioning our nation as a beacon of responsible AI governance across Africa.”
The taskforce, comprises of “agile, passionate, and forward-thinking professionals,” is charged with delivering strategic, technical, and policy recommendations for a comprehensive National AI Governance Framework.
Its mandate includes fostering innovation that benefits all sectors, from agriculture to healthcare, while mitigating risks like data privacy breaches and algorithmic bias.
Dr. Muganga, a scholar with roots at the University of Alberta in Canada, has steered Victoria University, emphasizing practical skills over rote learning. Under his leadership, enrollment has surged and the institution has become a hub for tech-infused curricula.
Just last month, Dr. Muganga collected the Global Impact Award at the Excellence Awards in Toronto, honoring his contributions to accessible higher education.
Colleagues hail his blend of academic rigor and entrepreneurial spirit as ideal for AI’s interdisciplinary demands.