Uganda’s ICT Permanent Secretary Aminah Zawedde says misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) poses a growing threat to the integrity of elections. She highlighted risks including deepfake videos, AI-generated audio impersonations, and automated disinformation campaigns, while urging citizens, especially youth, to exercise “digital responsibility” by verifying content before sharing.
As Uganda prepares for the January 15 elections, the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as both a tool for civic engagement and a serious risk to electoral integrity, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Aminah Zawedde, has warned.
Speaking in her capacity as chair of the National AI Taskforce, Dr. Zawedde said AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present reality shaping how Ugandans access information, communicate, and participate in political life.
“When used responsibly, AI can expand access to information and strengthen democratic engagement. But when abused, it can distort truth, inflame divisions, and erode public trust in democratic institutions,” she said.
According to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), internet penetration in the country has surpassed 50 percent, with social media usage growing sharply among young people, who make up over 70 percent of the population.
Zawedde observed that this demographic plays a central role in shaping political narratives during elections.
Zawedde highlighted emerging trends in AI misuse, including deepfake images and videos falsely depicting candidates, AI-generated audio impersonating political leaders, and automated accounts spreading false narratives.
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