Africa-Press – Uganda. Simplifi Networks, in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Uganda and the ICT Association of Uganda (ICTAU), has hosted a half-day forum on artificial intelligence for entrepreneurs and business leaders, highlighting the growing role of AI in shaping Uganda’s economic future.
The event under the them; ‘State of AI for Entrepreneurs and Ugandan Businesses’, brought together participants from across the country at the National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa.
It featured expert-led discussions, practical insights, and forward-looking dialogue on the opportunities AI presents for Uganda’s economy.
The event featured U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, William W. Popp and a presentation from international AI and technology expert Vivek Mohindra.
A question-and-answer session moderated by Simplifi Networks CEO Ken Stober concluded the programme.
Participants included entrepreneurs, business owners, technology professionals, and policymakers, reflecting AI’s cross-sector relevance.
Ambassador Popp emphasised that artificial intelligence is already reshaping global economies, including Uganda’s.
“AI is here, it is now, and it is already transforming economies around the world, including here in Uganda,” Popp said, noting that the United States has prioritised AI leadership through sustained investment in innovation, infrastructure, and global partnerships.
He also underscored the importance of Uganda–U.S. cooperation in driving trade, investment, and knowledge exchange.
Grace Achire Labong, Director and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at the ICT Association of Uganda, highlighted the central role of technology in national development.
“ICT is not just a sector, it is an enabler that cuts across all others,” and added, “If we are to achieve our goal of tenfold economic growth, technology must be at the center of that transformation,” Achire said
. She further noted that Uganda is developing national frameworks and policy guidelines to support structured and responsible AI adoption.
Mohindra encouraged participants to understand AI as a diverse set of tools rather than a single system.
“There is no one AI system that is superior in all scenarios. The real question is: which AI works best for the problem you are trying to solve?”
He also urged stakeholders to focus on preparedness rather than geopolitical competition, highlighting the emergence of agentic AI systems capable of autonomous decision-making and action.
He further stressed the importance of data governance.
, “AI is fundamentally about data. We must be careful about where that data goes and how it is used,” calling for stronger safeguards around data collection, storage, and use.
Speakers also called for balanced regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation while ensuring ethical standards and consumer protection.
Across the discussions, participants identified three key priorities for unlocking AI’s potential in Uganda: investment in infrastructure such as data centres and energy systems; workforce development to build AI-ready skills; and agile regulatory frameworks that can keep pace with technological change.
The United States, through institutions such as the International Development Finance Corporation and the Export-Import Bank, was noted as already supporting global technology partnerships aligned with these goals.
The forum also emphasised the role of entrepreneurs and young people in driving Uganda’s digital transformation. Ambassador Popp called on innovators to actively participate in building AI-driven solutions, enterprises, and jobs.
The ICT Association of Uganda announced plans for its upcoming National ICT Summit in September, which will focus on leveraging technology to accelerate growth across key sectors and deepen national discussions on AI and digital transformation.
As the forum concluded, participants expressed a shared view that artificial intelligence presents a significant opportunity for Uganda, provided it is supported by coordinated investment, sound policy, and responsible governance. With strengthening Uganda–U.S. partnerships and growing local engagement, stakeholders expressed optimism about the country’s digital future.
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