Artificial intelligence (AI) could unlock a new era of inclusive development in Uganda—if strategic choices are made today. That was the central message delivered at the national launch of the 2025 Human Development Report (HDR) hosted at Kyambogo University by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Government of Uganda.
Titled “A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of AI”, the report highlights a global slowdown in human development progress and urges countries to seize the promise of artificial intelligence (AI) while guarding against its risks.
“Human development is not predetermined—it is a matter of choice,” said Ms. Nwanne Vwede-Obahor, UNDP Resident Representative in Uganda. “Let us join forces to shape an inclusive, digital, and AI-powered future that leaves no Ugandan behind.”
Uganda’s Progress and Persistent Inequalities
The report presents Uganda’s Human Development Index (HDI) at 0.582, placing it in the medium development category and ranking 157 out of 193 countries. Since 1990, Uganda has posted remarkable gains:
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Life expectancy has increased by 20.7 years
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Expected years of schooling are up by 5.8 years
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Gross National Income (GNI) per capita has surged by 158%
However, these gains are uneven. Once adjusted for inequality, Uganda’s HDI falls to 0.400, reflecting a 31.3% loss due to disparities in health, education, and income—slightly worse than the Sub-Saharan African average.
AI: A Double-Edged Sword
The 2025 HDR argues that AI can either deepen inequality or accelerate development, depending on national choices. For Uganda, with its youthful, tech-savvy population and expanding digital infrastructure, the opportunity is clear—but so are the risks.
Key priorities for Uganda include
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Tailoring AI to local contexts by supporting African languages and cultural values
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Augmenting rather than replacing jobs, to boost productivity while maintaining human-centered development
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Driving inclusive innovation by embedding equity and ethics into AI systems
“UNDP remains committed to working alongside the government and stakeholders to foster responsible and inclusive AI adoption in Uganda,” Ms. Vwede-Obahor emphasized.
Gender Gaps and Green Growth
Despite its progress, Uganda continues to face stark gender inequalities:
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Its Gender Development Index (GDI) stands at 0.908, with women trailing men in health, education, and income
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The Gender Inequality Index (GII) ranks Uganda 141 out of 172 countries, highlighting limited political representation and lower labour force participation for women
On a brighter note, Uganda scores relatively well on environmental sustainability. Its Planetary Pressures–Adjusted HDI is 0.569, only 2.2% lower than its HDI, suggesting that Uganda exerts less environmental pressure than most regional peers—an asset in building a sustainable digital future.
A Strategic Turning Point
With the launch of Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan (NDPIV) and rapid digital transformation underway, the report calls for:
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Investments in digital literacy and AI skills
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Public-private partnerships to spur AI innovation
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Robust governance to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability
To access the full 2025 Human Development Report, visit: https://hdr.undp.org/human-development-report-2025
About UNDP:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works globally to combat poverty, inequality, and climate change. In Uganda, UNDP supports initiatives aimed at sustainable development, environmental protection, economic inclusion, and community empowerment. Learn more at ug.undp.org.
