AFRAD

We’re excited to announce our official launch! The @UNWomenUganda Country Rep, Ms Paulina Chiwangu, will officiate the event. Join us on the journey of advancing gender equality & driving positive change in Africa & across @CIVICUSalliance @Mak_SWGS @BrMutebi #AFRADLaunch

AFRAD at IndabaX Uganda Spring School 2026! Exploring how agentic AI can support early detection and intervention for depression risk using social media data advancing accessible mental health care. Grateful to @indabaxug and partners. #IndabaXUganda2026 #AIForAfrica

Thank You to Our Amazing Sponsors 🙏🏽 Deep Learning IndabaX Uganda 2026 would not have been possible without the incredible support of our partners. Your commitment to advancing AI, supporting learning, and creating opportunities for researchers and practitioners continues to make a real difference. @DeepIndaba @Google @UNUMACAU @TheOfficialACM @IFAAMAS #IndabaXUganda2026 #ResponsibleAI #AIForAfrica #Springschool2026

The invited talk: Indigenous AI by Professor Frank Dignum at Deep Learning IndabaX Uganda 2026 was really insightful. It highlighted on what it truly means to build AI for real communities. A strong message from the session is that responsible AI starts with people. Before building any system, we need to understand how people live, their knowledge, and their context, not just rely on data or assumptions. It was also a reminder that sometimes the most effective solutions are simple. Real impact comes from working with communities, building trust, and solving the right problem, not just applying technology. @Google @DeepIndaba @TheOfficialACM @UNUMACAU @frankdignum #IndabaXUganda2026 #ResponsibleAI #AIForAfrica #Springschool2026

Invited talk by Dr. Irene Nandutu - @irenenanduttu on Strengthening Africa’s AI Research Capacity is on right now. A really important conversation on where Africa stands in the AI space. One thing that stood out is that it’s not enough to just use AI, we need to build, research, and create value locally. It’s clear that investment in infrastructure, education, and collaboration will play a big role in shaping what that future looks like. @DeepIndaba @Google @TheOfficialACM @UNUMACAU #IndabaXUganda2026 #ResponsibleAI #AIForAfrica #Springschool2026

The Grand Finale is LIVE! 🇺🇬 We have officially transitioned from the virtual space to a packed house at Silver Springs Hotel, Bugolobi! Day 5 is all about "From Foundations to Frontiers." The morning is off to a powerful start with opening remarks from our General Chairs, setting the stage for a day of keynotes, panels, and the Spring School project showcases. The future of AI in Africa isn't just approaching, it's in this room. @DeepIndaba @UNUMACAU @Google #IndabaXUganda2026 #ResponsibleAI #Springschool #DeepLearning #KampalaTech

IndabaX Uganda Spring School 2026 – Participant Group Project Presentations. Group Three – Brain Byte explored how AI can be used to tackle mental health challenges in Uganda. Their project, Brain Byte, focuses on leveraging agentic AI to detect and respond to depression risk using social media behavior. With mental health cases on the rise and limited access to professional care, the team looked at how digital signals can support earlier intervention. Using Natural Language Processing and Large Language Models, their system analyzes online activity to identify individuals at different risk levels and recommend context-based interventions. From their simulation, the team observed that AI-driven detection and intervention can significantly reduce the number of high-risk individuals. Over time, more individuals transition toward a healthier state, showing the potential impact of early, data-driven support. Their work highlights how AI can enable proactive mental health care, especially in environments where access and awareness remain key challenges. Group members: @AngelNagaba @MjuniMasota @AFRAD_UG @Nathaliswa @MillersYasin @DeepIndaba @Google @TheOfficialACM @UNUMACAU #IndabaXUganda2026 #ResponsibleAI #AIForAfrica #Springschool2026

Can AI Really Be Fair? In this session, Professor Virginia Dignum explored the real-world challenges of using AI in sensitive areas like education and hiring. From moderating student interactions to screening job applicants. Key takeaways: - Local context matters, especially when understanding language, behavior, and intent - In areas like hiring, AI can inherit and amplify past biases from historical data. - Responsibility and oversight should not rely on one group alone, it requires shared accountability We must think carefully about privacy, fairness, and emotional impact, especially when AI involves people. Why it matters: AI is not neutral. The way we design and use it can shape outcomes, sometimes in ways we don’t expect. This session reminded us that building AI systems means making choices about values, responsibility, and fairness. @DeepIndaba @UNUMACAU @Google @TheOfficialACM @MasakhaneNLP #IndabaXUganda2026 #ResponsibleAI #AIForAfrica #EthicalAI #SpringSchool2026

As we approach Deep Learning IndabaX Uganda 2026, here are a few important details to keep in mind. 📅 March 23–27, 2026 Physical attendance: Kindly check your email to confirm your attendance status as it's limited to invited participants only. We look forward to having everyone who will be joining us either for the physical or virtual sessions. @DeepIndaba @UNUMACAU @Google @TheOfficialACM @ZindiAfrica @makerereAI @MasakhaneNLP @AIR_lab_MUK #IndabaXUganda2026 #AIinAfrica #ResponsibleAI

We’ve kicked off the Spring School on Agent-Based Modeling! Our first session with Georgina Curto was on Introduction to Agent-Based Modelling. She introduced how AI systems are influencing decision-making, and how they can differ from human perspectives. One key message stood out: AI is powerful, but it needs to be context-aware, transparent, and guided by human insight, especially for local context. Now, participants are working in teams to explore how to use Agent Based Modeling to solve real world challenges. This is just the beginning 🔥 @DeepIndaba @UNUMACAU @Google @TheOfficialACM @ZindiAfrica @makerereAI @MasakhaneNLP @AIR_lab_MUK #IndabaXUganda #SpringSchool2026 #AIForAfrica #ResponsibleAI

Honored to join the Global Mentoring Walk at City High School Kololo for #IWD2026 under the theme “Give to Gain.” Inspiring women leaders, mentors & students came together to share experiences, learn, & uplift the next generation. When we give, we all gain. #GiveToGain #AFRAD

Zero Discrimination Day reminds us that stigma against people living with HIV costs lives. Silence protects injustice, speaking up protects people. 1/ #ZeroDiscriminationDay #CentreforWomenJusticeUganda

Over 16 Days of Activism Against GBV, we’ve engaged communities in awareness sessions, ran digital campaigns, and partnered with organisations to ensure that help and information are accessible to individuals. Even though many women and girls still face abuse, carry stigma, and lack access to some resources, community members are eager to learn about gender issues & act when given tools that drive positive impact. However, awareness alone isn’t enough. Consistent engagement, collaboration, and accessible support systems are key in ending all forms of violence against women and girls. Speak up, support survivors, educate your community, and join the fight. GBV ends when we all act #16DaysOfActivism #EndGBV #UnmaskGBV

As we close the 16 Days of Activism, we’re hosting a timely Conversation Café on Digital Safety & Cybersecurity in Tech-Driven GBV. A powerful space to learn, reflect, and strengthen our digital resilience. Register: catalystnow.net/events/cc-digi… #16DaysOfActivism #ConversationCafe

Consent in intimate relationships is not a one-time agreement. It isn’t guaranteed by dating, love, or even marriage. Consent must be freely given, mutual, and continuous (every time partners choose to be intimate). A spouse or partner still has full rights over their own body. They can say “yes,” “no,” or “not now” and that decision must always be respected. If someone feels pressured, afraid, or obligated to comply, that is not consent. And when someone ignores their partner’s “no,” that act becomes sexual violence even within marriage. True intimacy is built on respect. Asking, listening, checking in, and ensuring mutual comfort are not obstacles to romance but they are the foundation of a safe and loving relationship. Consent protects dignity, protects trust and protects love because real love never demands but it always respects. #16DaysOfActivism #HealthyRelationships #EndGBV #UnmaskGBV

The first runner up in Category three, from Uganda, Kyalimpa Bridget Babigumira, with a submission titled, “Trade Like A Girl.” We celebrate you a true Economic Justice Champion 🏆🎉

It has been a delightful Friday celebrating #Youth4TaxJustice 👌🏾 For the 2025 Pan-African Creatives Competition, we received submissions from 1️⃣5️⃣ African countries as follows; 🌍 #EastAfrican Region - Uganda 🇺🇬, Kenya 🇰🇪, South Sudan 🇸🇸, Burundi 🇧🇮 #SouthernAfrica Region - Zimbabwe 🇿🇼, Zambia 🇿🇲, Madagascar 🇲🇬 #CentralAfrica Region - DR Congo 🇨🇩, Congo🇨🇬 #WesternAfrican Region - Senegal 🇸🇳, Nigeria 🇳🇬, Benin 🇧🇯, Gabon 🇬🇦, Côte d’Ivoire 🇨🇮, & Togo 🇹🇬 . Our winners were from🇺🇬, 🇰🇪, 🇧🇮, & 🇨🇮. Watch the video below to see who our 2025 winners are. Stay tuned as we prepare for the 2026 Pan-African #CreativesCompetition.

A child should never have to beg for safety. Yet girls across the country are asking faith leaders and parents to shield them from online harm. May their courage move us to act. #StandWithGirls #ProtectGirlsOnline #16DaysOfActivism

Day 7 | 16 days of activism against GBV. Safer communities start with us. Create spaces where respect is the norm….including online spaces. #16DaysOfActivism #EndGbv

Breaking silence is an act of courage and an act of resistance. Across Africa, countless women are told to endure, to stay quiet, to protect harmful norms. UNMUTED honours every woman who defies that silence and chooses safety, truth, and dignity. Our voices are power. Our stories are liberation. Our silence is over. #ACTtoEndViolence #SRHRDialogues

Meet our Week 3 Speaker, Ifeoluwa Gbosi, who will be taking us through Communication, Leadership & Personal Branding. She’s known for her clear communication, intentional leadership and practical approach to helping people grow. We’re excited for another powerful session with her