AI can uplift Uganda’s education, drive economic transformation – Prof. Muganga

25 March 2025, 11:16 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Education and Sports, alongside other partners, is playing a pivotal role in advocating for technology in schools and higher education institutions by organising various events to highlight the importance of technology and its related fields. Against this backdrop, Prof. Lawrence Muganga, the Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, was given the opportunity yesterday to discuss the transformative role of technology and AI in higher education during the 6th Annual Higher Education Conference 2025.

The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni, expressed her gratitude to the partners, policymakers, and others for their efforts. The Minister also reaffirmed the ministry’s ongoing support. The event, held in Mbarara, saw stakeholders applauding the Minister for taking the time to attend and engage with them.

In his address, the Vice Chancellor outlined the vision of a modern, technology-driven education system that will not only elevate Uganda but also position Africa as a leader in the global knowledge economy. He boldly presented reasons why Uganda should embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation as critical tools for academic excellence, economic growth, and global competitiveness.

Prof. Muganga has been a pioneering force in education reform across Africa, championing practical, skills-based, and technology-driven learning. Under his visionary leadership, Victoria University has emerged as a leader in digital education, equipping students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge technologies. In fact, Victoria University has made AI training a mandatory part of its curriculum for all students.

Prof. Muganga continued by emphasising to the minister that AI is not just an optional tool but a fundamental driver of educational transformation. He illustrated how AI-powered solutions can:

• Revolutionise learning – AI can provide students with personalised tutors, digital libraries, and ICT labs available 24/7, making quality education more accessible.
• Empower educators – By automating administrative tasks, AI can free up lecturers to focus on mentorship, research, and innovation.
• Create economic opportunities – AI is already shaping the global economy, and by 2030, it will generate millions of new jobs in data science, AI engineering, and digital entrepreneurship. Uganda must prepare its students today to seize these opportunities.

“Across the world, major economies are investing billions in AI because they understand its power to shape the future. Uganda must do the same. Our students must be equipped not just to participate but to lead in the digital age,” he said. He also laid out a clear, strategic roadmap for how Uganda can successfully integrate AI into its higher education system.

According to Prof. Muganga, universities should test AI-driven study apps and digital learning platforms to assess their impact before scaling them nationwide.

• Forming strategic partnerships – Collaborations with leading technology firms can provide universities with advanced AI tools, training, and industry internships for students.
• Training educators on AI – The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) should organise nationwide workshops to equip lecturers with AI knowledge and teaching methodologies.
• Mandating AI education across all disciplines – Every student, regardless of their field—medicine, business, engineering, or the arts—should receive foundational AI training to prepare for the future job market.

Additionally, Muganga emphasised that AI should be leveraged to address pressing local issues, such as enhancing agricultural productivity, improving healthcare, and optimising business operations. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining human-centred learning, stating that AI should not replace teachers, but rather enhance their ability to engage, mentor, and inspire students.

Prof. Muganga’s call to action was clear: Uganda cannot afford to lag behind in the AI revolution. He urged government leaders, policymakers, universities, and the private sector to unite in making AI adoption a national priority. “AI has the power to uplift Uganda’s education system, drive economic transformation, and position our nation as a leader in Africa’s digital future. But we must act with urgency—our students’ futures depend on it,” Prof. Muganga concluded.