DeReticular Uganda AI Innovation Team: The initial meeting for the DeReticular Uganda AI Innovation Team!
DeReticular Innovation Hub 2025 Uganda
Friday, July 25 · 11:00 – 11:50am
Time zone: America/Phoenix
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/qnb-rkcd-zcy
Or dial: (US) +1 503-908-2444 PIN: 510 248 734#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/qnb-rkcd-zcy?pin=5695019554161
https://agra.energy/fueling-the-future-the-power-of-plasma-gasification-in-agriculture
https://bizbuildermike.com/carbon-consuming-circular-economies-ccce-v3
I’m excited to continue our discussions every Friday 11 am MST for the next nine weeks. This is a transparent, community-focused initiative, and everyone is welcome to attend. If you’re interested in innovative solutions for Uganda, we encourage you to join us!
Here are the recurring meeting details:
DeReticular Innovation Hub 2025 Uganda
Friday, July 25 · 11:00 – 11:50am
Time zone: America/Phoenix
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/qnb-rkcd-zcy
Or dial: (US) +1 503-908-2444 PIN: 510 248 734#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/qnb-rkcd-zcy?pin=5695019554161
DeReticular Innovation Hub 2025 Uganda
Uganda’s communications infrastructure is seeing significant development, driven by both private companies and government initiatives. Key aspects include extensive fiber optic networks, mobile broadband coverage, and efforts to expand internet access to rural areas. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) plays a crucial role in regulating and developing the sector, including initiatives to increase broadband penetration and local content.
Here’s a more detailed look:
1. Fiber Optic Backbone:
- The National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U) has laid over 3,000 km of fiber optic cable connecting sub-counties across the country.
- Private companies like Google (through C-Squared) and Facebook (through Airtel) have also invested in fiber optic infrastructure, particularly in the Kampala metro area and northern Uganda.
- MTN Uganda, the largest telecom company, has deployed approximately 6,000 km of fiber optic cable.
- Multiple wholesale internet providers offer access via fiber optic cables.
2. Mobile Broadband and Rural Access:
- The UCC aims to expand broadband access to the population.
- The Regional Communications Infrastructure Project (RCIP) aims to lower international capacity costs and extend broadband reach, as well as improve government efficiency.
- The UCC is partnering with Intelsat and Gilat Satellite Networks to deploy 3G infrastructure and expand broadband in rural areas using satellite technology.
- The Access Infrastructure Program (UCUSAF) focuses on extending telecommunications access to unserved and underserved areas.
3. Regulatory and Policy Framework:
- The UCC is responsible for licensing, regulation, and infrastructure development.
- The UCC seeks to establish frameworks for the deployment and sharing of communications infrastructure.
- The UCC also manages the Underground Communication Infrastructure Information Exchange Platform (UCIIEP), which helps protect infrastructure during construction work.
4. Key Players:
- NITA-U: Government agency responsible for ICT development and infrastructure.
- UCC: Regulatory body overseeing the communications sector.
- MTN Uganda: Largest telecom operator with significant fiber optic infrastructure.
- ATC Uganda: Provides wireless solutions for land mobile radio and other applications, including tower construction.
- Intelsat: Provides satellite services to support rural connectivity.
- Gilat Satellite Networks: Provides ground infrastructure for satellite connectivity.
5. Challenges and Opportunities:
- Despite progress, challenges remain in expanding broadband access to all areas, particularly rural regions.
- The cost of internet service has decreased significantly in recent years, but challenges remain in ensuring affordability.
- Uganda is working to leverage technology to improve public services and promote economic growth.
Yes, there could be significant benefits to implementing autonomous transportation in Uganda, particularly in improving safety, efficiency, and accessibility. Autonomous vehicles (AVs) offer the potential to reduce accidents caused by human error, optimize traffic flow, and provide 24/7 transportation options. This could be especially impactful in a country like Uganda, where road safety is a major concern and public transportation infrastructure is still developing.
Here’s a more detailed look at the potential benefits:
Safety:
- Reduced accidents:
- Human error is a major factor in road accidents worldwide, and AVs have the potential to mitigate this by eliminating driver fatigue, distraction, and impaired judgment.
- Improved emergency response:
- Autonomous vehicles could be programmed to prioritize emergency vehicles and facilitate quicker response times, potentially saving lives.
Efficiency:
- Optimized traffic flow:
- AVs can communicate with each other and with infrastructure, leading to smoother traffic flow, reduced congestion, and improved fuel efficiency.
- Increased capacity:
- Autonomous buses could potentially operate in platoons, increasing capacity and reducing the need for additional vehicles on the road.
- 24/7 availability:
- AVs can operate around the clock, offering transportation services at any time of day or night, which can be particularly beneficial in areas with limited public transport options.
Accessibility:
- Mobility for all:
- Autonomous vehicles can provide greater mobility for the elderly, people with disabilities, and those who cannot drive, expanding access to jobs, education, and social opportunities.
- Improved access to remote areas:
- Autonomous transportation could help connect remote communities with urban centers, facilitating trade, healthcare, and other essential services.
Other potential benefits:
- Economic growth:
- Increased efficiency and reduced transportation costs could stimulate economic activity and attract investment.
- Environmental sustainability:
- By optimizing routes and reducing fuel consumption, AVs could contribute to a cleaner environment.
Challenges and considerations:
- Infrastructure development:
- Uganda’s current infrastructure may need significant upgrades to support AVs, including better roads, communication networks, and charging stations for electric vehicles.
- Cost of implementation:
- The initial investment in AV technology and infrastructure could be substantial.
- Public perception and acceptance:
- Public awareness and trust in autonomous technology will be crucial for successful implementation.
- Regulatory framework:
- Uganda will need to develop clear regulations and policies to govern the use of AVs.
- Potential job displacement:
- The transition to autonomous transportation could displace some jobs in the transport sector, requiring careful planning for retraining and social support.
Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of autonomous transportation in Uganda are substantial, particularly in addressing the country’s transportation needs and contributing to its economic and social development.
Artificial Intelligence can be a valuable tool in achieving UHC as it can increase access to health facilities in hard-to-reach areas. AI tools have also been reported to perform faster than humans at certain key health tasks like diagnosis
Uganda, like other United Nations (UN) member states, has undertaken to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030 in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 targets. However, if this target is to be achieved, efforts will need to be increased, as full coverage of essential services remains an issue. Access to quality, acceptable and affordable healthcare remains an illusion for many Ugandans. Artificial Intelligence can be a valuable tool in achieving UHC as it can increase access to health facilities in hard-to-reach areas. AI tools have also been reported to perform faster than humans at certain key health tasks like diagnosis. However, for AI to be effective in delivering its benefits, context-specific regulatory approaches are key, as needs and opportunities differ. In this paper, I argue that the regulation of AI can help make it an effective tool for achieving UHC in Uganda if the right regulatory approach and framework are adopted, as regulation shapes outcomes. This will tackle the risk of poor regulation hindering AI development and AI reinforcing inequalities.
