Uganda’s ambition to become a producer of artificial intelligence solutions received a boost this week as university students unveiled a series of AI-powered applications developed through a collaborative internship programme with Japanese technology partners.
The Uganda-Japan AI-POD Internship Project brought together 38 students from Makerere University, the International University of East Africa (IUEA) and the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT), who spent three months designing practical AI solutions aimed at addressing real-world challenges.
During an interim showcase at Makerere University, the students presented six applications covering a range of sectors, including recruitment, multilingual communication, digital service delivery and project management. Among the innovations were an AI-powered recruitment platform capable of conducting interviews, a translation verification tool designed to improve cross-border communication, digital avatars for customer engagement and an automated reporting system for outsourced work. Several of the solutions are already preparing for pilot deployments, while the project management platform has been cleared for commercial use.
The initiative is a partnership involving Uganda’s Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Japanese technology company Akademia and talent development organisation Maarifasasa. It aims to equip young Ugandans with advanced AI skills while creating pathways into Japan’s growing technology sector, which faces a significant shortage of skilled professionals.
Speaking during the event, Gen Suzuki, Director of Akademia and the creator of the AI-POD concept, highlighted Uganda’s growing potential as a technology talent hub.
“Uganda has talent. Intelligent, creative, eager to learn. The country’s youth are resourceful, and once they are given an opportunity, they are in position to support the growth of the economy. AI-POD can support Uganda.”
Robert Bob Okello, founder of Maarifasasa, encouraged participants to prepare for opportunities in international technology markets.
“We have the opportunity right now. The question is whether we will be ready when this door opens. Being in the right place at the right time is not enough.”
Uganda’s Ministry of ICT and National Guidance said the programme aligns with the country’s wider digital transformation agenda by strengthening innovation and creating employment opportunities for young people.
“Uganda’s greatest digital resource is its people. Technology alone does not transform nations. It is people with the skills, curiosity and courage to innovate who drive transformation.”
Officials believe initiatives such as AI-POD will help position Uganda not only as a consumer of emerging technologies but as a competitive developer of AI solutions for regional and global markets.