As Uganda prepares for its upcoming general elections on January 15, 2026, a senior government official has issued a stern warning about the potential misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) in the electoral process. Aminah Zawedde, Uganda’s Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Communication, Technology and National Guidance, emphasized that while AI itself is not inherently harmful, its manipulation could distort public opinion and undermine democratic integrity.
In a statement issued on January 2, 2026, Zawedde, who also chairs the National AI Taskforce, raised concerns about the growing misuse of AI technologies to create and spread disinformation during the election cycle. “AI, when used responsibly, can expand access to information and strengthen democratic engagement,” she said. “However, the misuse of AI can lead to the creation of deceptive content—such as deepfake videos, AI-generated audio that impersonates political leaders, and automated accounts designed to spread false narratives quickly.”
Zawedde warned that these technologies could be exploited by political actors or other malicious entities to create misleading content, including fake election results or fabricated political endorsements, which could significantly undermine public trust in the electoral process. “We are already seeing these technologies being misused to distort the truth and manipulate public perception,” she noted.
The Permanent Secretary urged Ugandans to be cautious about sharing unverified content online, particularly in the lead-up to the elections. “It is essential that citizens refrain from circulating sensationalized or unverified information, as this can fuel misinformation and division,” she cautioned.
Furthermore, Zawedde clarified that while Uganda is still in the process of developing a comprehensive legal framework for AI, existing laws already apply to digital election-related misconduct. “Any form of election-related misconduct, whether offline or online, is illegal. The misuse of AI to mislead or manipulate voters will carry serious legal consequences,” she affirmed.
This warning comes as the Ugandan government steps up efforts to ensure that AI and other digital tools are used ethically and transparently, especially in a politically charged environment leading up to the country’s general elections.
