Regulation of Artificial Intelligence in Uganda’s Healthcare: Exploring an Appropriate Regulatory Approach and Framework to Deliver Universal Health Coverage.

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.
The paper argues that the regulation of AI can help make it an effective tool for achieving UHC as regulation shapes outcomes. However, fears exist about the risk of poor regulation hindering AI development and AI reinforcing inequalities. With current regulatory approaches in the EU and UK taking risk-based and principles-based regulatory approaches respectively, the paper explores whether these approaches are appropriate for regulating AI in Uganda's healthcare and delivering UHC. The strengths and flaws in each approach are highlighted, and the paper makes a case for the consideration of a human rights-based approach to AI regulation. It then advocates for a combination of principles-based and human rights-based approaches as the gateway to achieving UHC. The paper concludes by proposing a framework that can be followed in Uganda’s healthcare sector.