The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Information, Communications, Technology and National Guidance, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, has cautioned Ugandans against the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) as the country prepares for the upcoming general elections scheduled for January 15.

Dr. Zawedde warned that while AI presents enormous opportunities for information sharing and civic participation, it also carries significant risks if exploited by ill-intentioned individuals seeking to manipulate voters or distort public discourse.

Speaking in her capacity as Chairperson of the National Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Zawedde noted that the government established the task force to ensure that AI is adopted in a safe, ethical, and lawful manner. She emphasized that responsible use of the technology can enhance democratic engagement by improving access to information and encouraging informed participation.

However, she raised concerns that AI tools could be misused to spread misinformation, generate deceptive content, and fuel political polarization during the electoral period.
“Artificial intelligence is not the problem in itself,” Dr. Zawedde said. “The danger lies in how it can be manipulated to mislead citizens, interfere with informed decision-making, and erode public confidence in democratic processes.”
She urged members of the public to exercise caution when consuming and sharing digital content, especially information that appears sensational or lacks credible verification. According to her, unchecked sharing of false or misleading material could have far-reaching consequences during an election period.

Dr. Zawedde further clarified that although Uganda is still in the process of developing a comprehensive legal framework specifically governing AI, existing laws already provide mechanisms to address digital misconduct.
“Election-related offences remain illegal whether committed offline or through digital platforms,” she stressed. “The misuse of AI to deceive or manipulate the public will attract serious legal consequences.”

She called on all stakeholders, including political actors, media practitioners, and citizens, to use technology responsibly and uphold integrity as the country heads into a critical electoral season.
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