Prof. Muganga Calls for AI-Driven Transformation in Uganda’s Higher Education

Prof. Lawrence Muganga, Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, has reiterated the urgent need to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital innovation into Uganda’s higher education system. Speaking at the 6th Annual Higher Education Conference 2025 in Mbarara, he laid out a bold vision for using AI to enhance learning, improve teaching efficiency, and prepare students for the global digital economy.

His address, themed “Exploring the Transformative Role of Technology and AI in Higher Education,” emphasized that AI is not merely an enhancement but a necessity for modern education.

The conference brought together key education stakeholders, including Hon. Janet Museveni, Minister of Education and Sports, who has been instrumental in shaping policies to strengthen Uganda’s higher education sector. Prof. Muganga stressed that Uganda must act swiftly to integrate AI into learning institutions to stay competitive in the knowledge-driven global economy.

His vision centers around three key areas:

✔ Revolutionizing learning – AI-powered platforms can offer personalized tutors, 24/7 access to digital libraries, and virtual labs, making quality education more accessible.

✔ Empowering educators – By automating routine administrative tasks, AI allows lecturers to focus more on mentorship, research, and innovation.

✔ Creating economic opportunities – With AI expected to create millions of jobs by 2030 in fields such as data science, AI engineering, and digital entrepreneurship, Uganda must ensure its graduates are equipped with future-ready skills.

Prof. Muganga did not stop at identifying AI’s potential; he outlined a practical roadmap for how Uganda can successfully implement AI in higher education:

1. Testing AI-Powered Learning Tools – Universities should introduce and evaluate AI-driven platforms before rolling them out nationwide.
2. Building Strategic Partnerships – Collaborations with tech firms can provide institutions with AI infrastructure, training, and internship opportunities for students.
3. Training Educators in AI – The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) should conduct workshops to equip lecturers with AI skills and teaching methodologies.
4. Making AI Education Mandatory – AI literacy should be a core part of all university programs, regardless of discipline.
5. Applying AI to Uganda’s Development Challenges – AI solutions should be leveraged to tackle key issues in agriculture, healthcare, and business innovation.
6. Ensuring AI Supports, Not Replaces, Educators – While AI can enhance teaching, human interaction and mentorship should remain central to education.

Prof. Muganga urged government leaders, policymakers, universities, and private sector players to make AI adoption a national priority. Under his leadership, Victoria University has already become a model for AI-driven education, proving that Uganda can be a leader in digital transformation across Africa.

With government support, AI could redefine the country’s education system, equipping students with the skills necessary for the modern workforce and positioning Uganda as a key player in the global knowledge economy.