Uganda MP Hon Bernard Otim Pushes for AI in Local Languages at CPA Africa Conference in Malawi.
BY OUR REPORTER
MALAWI- AFRICA: Ugandan delegates, led by Hon. Bernard Otim, MP Maruzi North, are in Malawi for the 55th CPA Africa Region Conference, where the key focus is on AI-powered legislation and public services.
The conference, being held under the theme of digital transformation in governance, brought together parliamentarians from across Africa to discuss how technology can make government more accessible to citizens.
Speaking at the conference, Hon. Otim noted that Malawi is already developing AI tools in Chichewa to help citizens access government services in their own language.
“Uganda has many local languages, making this more challenging. But should that stop us? Can Uganda develop an AI-powered platform that supports our local languages and makes public services more accessible to every citizen?” Otim asked.
“This is a conversation we must begin now,” he said.
Call for digital inclusion:
Otim urgued that for services like PDM, Emyooga, health, education and legal aid to truly reach the grassroots, government must invest in technology that communicates with citizens in Luo, Luganda, Ateso, Runyankole, and other local languages.
He said embracing AI in local languages would reduce bureaucracy, cut costs, and ensure that no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Uganda delegation engages
Photos from the conference show Hon. Otim at the entrance of the conference venue branded “55 CPA AFRICA REGION – MALAWI”, and with fellow Ugandan delegates wearing official conference tags.
Delegates are expected to return with resolutions on how African parliaments can leverage AI to improve legislation, oversight and service delivery.
The CPA Africa Region Conference runs under the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and focuses this year on innovation, transparency and citizen-centered governance.
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