Ethics and Governance in AI: Perspectives from Ugandan Societies, 2004

AI ethics and governance are emerging fields of study in African sociology, with particular interest in how these concepts apply to Ugandan societies. The study employs semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions among stakeholders including technologists, policymakers, ethicists, and community leaders. Data analysis follows thematic coding. Themes emerged around the perceived benefits of AI for development versus concerns over privacy and accountability, with a notable proportion (35%) of respondents expressing concern about data misuse by tech companies. The findings highlight significant disparities in understanding and implementation of ethical guidelines across sectors, suggesting gaps that require targeted policy interventions. Policymakers should prioritise public education on AI ethics to ensure informed decision-making. Sectoral collaborations are recommended to harmonize governance approaches.