Makerere University, in collaboration with the Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU), has officially launched the National AI Research Cloud, a pivotal development in Uganda’s digital infrastructure aimed at enhancing the country’s capacity in artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative signifies an important advancement in strengthening Uganda’s innovation pipeline, facilitating a more prominent role in the global AI landscape while concurrently fostering economic growth and technological development.
The National AI Research Cloud was inaugurated on March 13, 2026, by Dr. Monica Musenero, Uganda’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, during the AI Innovation Academy Demo Day at Makerere University’s School of Public Health Auditorium. This initiative is part of the AI Innovation Academy, which is executed by Pathogen Economy Labs (PEL) in partnership with Marconi Lab and the Mak AI Centre, receiving support from the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat under the Office of the President.
The infrastructure aims to significantly bolster Uganda’s burgeoning AI ecosystem by providing high-performance computing capabilities and secure storage solutions for research datasets. The initial deployment incorporates GPU-enabled servers alongside dedicated storage capacity, which will facilitate researchers in efficiently training and testing AI models.
Moreover, the platform is designed to ensure secure data storage and management, allowing researchers to retain, manage, and reuse datasets for AI training and validation. This aspect is expected to enhance responsible research practices and elevate the quality and scalability of AI solutions developed within the nation.
The National AI Research Cloud will initially serve participants of the AI Innovation Academy, which integrates technical training in AI and machine learning with essential business incubation and investor readiness support. As the initiative matures, there are plans for the platform to evolve into a national resource, accessible to government institutions, universities, startups, and a wider innovation ecosystem.
This initiative is emblematic of Uganda’s broader ambition to cultivate local AI capabilities in line with national priorities. By alleviating the cost and infrastructure barriers that typically hinder AI development, the National AI Research Cloud is poised to accelerate innovation, promote collaborative efforts, and enable the creation of scalable solutions addressing societal challenges.
In conclusion, the commissioning of the National AI Research Cloud marks a significant milestone in reinforcing Uganda’s innovation pipeline, positioning the country to actively engage in the global AI landscape while simultaneously contributing to economic growth and technological progress.