By KT Reporter
Professional company secretaries are urging the government to swiftly enact legislation governing artificial intelligence (AI) to mitigate potential risks associated with the rapidly evolving technology. They believe early regulation will help safeguard society from the negative aspects of AI.
Despite AI’s rapid and widespread adoption globally, it is currently regulated only in Europe under the recently enacted EU AI Act. Company secretaries argue that Uganda must follow this example, particularly given its youthful population.
The call was made during the 14th Annual Directors and Company Secretaries Conference, where professionals discussed how AI is transforming corporate governance and what steps are needed for its seamless integration.
Jane Okot P’Bitek Langoya, Chairperson of the Institute of Certified Secretaries and Administrators Uganda (ICSA), emphasized that AI is in the early stages of revolutionizing corporate governance but poses ethical challenges.
“The major threat is the ethical component. Today, you see a picture or video on WhatsApp, and you can’t tell if it’s real or manipulated. AI can alter images and videos to create actions that are not genuine. This is a major concern,” she stated.
Langoya also warned that AI’s efficiency threatens job security. “AI doesn’t have emotions like us. We are reaching a point where people will lose jobs, and this is not what we want as a country. We need solutions to upskill people and help them work alongside AI,” she said. She stressed that corporate governance must prioritize sustainability over mere profitability.
“It’s about efficiency, but not at the cost of people and the environment. The government needs to enact an AI law that protects individuals and regulates the entire AI development chain, from innovators to end-users,” she added. Langoya urged governance professionals to embrace AI and move beyond biases against it, as such biases could hinder effective decision-making.
“We are biased against AI, but it is here to stay. We need to embrace it, understand its positives and negatives, and adapt accordingly. If we don’t, it will overtake us,” she cautioned.
Peter Kyambadde, a partner at KPMG, echoed the need for early AI legislation. He emphasized that AI is already transforming industries and economies, including in Uganda. “We are witnessing the rise of AI across various sectors, signaling a shift toward a technology-driven economy. To remain competitive, board members and governance professionals must integrate AI into governance structures,” Kyambadde stated.
Patrick Courtney, Head of Membership at the Chartered Governance Institute UK and Ireland, commended the conference organizers for addressing AI’s impact on corporate governance. “AI is everywhere—it’s in our smartphones, computers, and all the systems we use. The relevance and urgency of discussing this topic cannot be overstated. This conference is extremely timely,” he said.
Courtney emphasized that AI-related challenges are not unique to Uganda but are global issues requiring international collaboration. “It’s not just an East African or African problem—it’s a world problem. Everyone has a role to play in ensuring AI is used constructively and effectively,” he added.
The conference provided a platform for stakeholders from the private, public, and NGO sectors to discuss AI’s role in corporate governance, focusing on leveraging its benefits while addressing ethical and regulatory concerns-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
