Regulation of artificial intelligence in Uganda's healthcare: exploring an appropriate regulatory approach and framework to deliver universal health coverage.

BACKGROUND: Uganda, like other United Nations (UN) member states, has undertaken to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030 in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 targets. However, if this target is to be achieved, efforts will need to be increased, as full coverage of essential services remains an issue. Access to quality, acceptable and affordable healthcare remains an illusion for many Ugandans. Artificial Intelligence can be a valuable tool in achieving UHC as it can increase access to health facilities in hard-to-reach areas. AI tools have also been reported to perform faster than humans at certain key health tasks like diagnosis. However, for AI to be effective in delivering its benefits, context-specific regulatory approaches are key, as needs and opportunities differ. In this paper, I argue that the regulation of AI can help make it an effective tool for achieving UHC in Uganda if the right regulatory approach and framework are adopted, as regulation shapes outcomes. This will tackle the risk of poor regulation hindering AI development and AI reinforcing inequalities.