How universities are adopting to AI in Uganda

Makerere University has launched the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science Lab.

University officials stated that the lab focuses on developing solutions to critical challenges in health, the environment, and food security.

The university Vice Chancellor, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, acknowledged the presence of AI, noting that it is already being deployed in research and is showing visible progress, leading transformative projects that demonstrate AI’s potential to improve lives.

According to BUIT-IN, a tech online website, AI is a branch of computer science that aims to build machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence.

AI enables machines to simulate human abilities, such as learning, problem-solving, decision-making and comprehension. Common applications of AI include speech recognition, image recognition, content generation, recommendation systems and self-driving cars.

Artificial intelligence systems work by using algorithms and data.

Ms Tiffany Karlew, the deputy British High Commissioner in Uganda, who officiated the launch last week, emphasised the significance of AI in addressing real-world problems, stating: "AI is often portrayed as something from science fiction, but in reality, it is already here, embedded in the fabric of our daily lives."

Karlew highlighted the potential of AI in healthcare, noting that AI-powered diagnostics developed here could lead to more accurate and accessible testing, especially for rural communities where doctors are scarce.

The adoption of AI is not exclusive to Makerere University. Officials from several universities interviewed by this newspaper stated they are already utilising AI in teaching and research.

The Vice Chancellor of Kyambogo University, Prof Eli Katunguka, said with the advancement of AI, higher institutions need to capitalise on it, noting that their students are using AI to answer questions.

He emphasised that it is the responsibility of universities to equip their staff to teach using AI because students have already embraced it.

"AI is a global challenge, thus policies in AI should be developed in higher institutions to regulate it. It is something we cannot ignore," Prof Katunguka said.

Several students at Makerere University have developed products using AI, including machine learning image phenotyping tools to automate cassava breeding tasks, which will help control cassava diseases.

Dr Yahya Umar, the head of the Motion Analysis Research Laboratory at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), said they are focusing on AI, particularly the emerging technologies that significantly impact various sectors, including education.

"At IUIU, the focus is on formalising our institutional framework for the adoption of AI into teaching, learning, and evaluation because students are no longer naive about accessing information. We shall have more meaningful teaching because students already possess the materials.

The AI revolution, like ChatGPT and others, are application-level AI tools that have significantly impacted this generation," he added.

Dr Lawrence Muganga, the vice chancellor of Victoria University, rsaid AI is already reshaping universities and colleges worldwide, explaining that many institutions now use adaptive learning platforms that analyse students' performance in real time.

"If you consistently struggle with certain maths problems, the system will offer extra practice and detailed hints. If you quickly master a topic, it will move you forward to more challenging material, instead of making you repeat exercises," he said.

He noted that intelligent tutoring systems, such as Duolingo, are helping students by tailoring exercises to their mistakes, thereby improving learning.

Caution

Experts cautioned institutions to adopt AI with utmost precautions due to the potential impact if not managed properly.

Dr Fred Muhumuza, an economist, policy analyst, and lecturer at Makerere University Business School, asserted: "We want to allow our students to learn how to use AI-generated answers and customise them to specific solutions. We want them to engage with AI because that is the future. We have experience in that space, like with online teaching."

He added: "If AI provides an answer, how do you refine it to come up with your unique answer? You can give AI specific tailored questions so that it gives you specific answers."

Dr Yahya emphasised that the application of AI should be scrutinised since students are dealing with much information simultaneously.