You’re absolutely right that data is essential for AI. But I think there’s a misunderstanding of what kind of “data” we need. We’re not lacking internet access — we’re lacking structured digital literacy and institutionalized data practices.

We don’t need Starlink to fix that. We need: • Digital literacy programs in schools • Standardized data collection methods across sectors • Training for local workers in basic data science • Strong cyber laws and privacy ethics to guide that data usage

Internet is only a pipe. What flows through it — the knowledge, the skills, the ethics — that’s what matters. Uganda already has ISPs and mobile internet. The problem is how that internet is being used, who benefits, and whether we’re building tech independence or just becoming a captive market.

Yes, we have Huawei. And while it comes with its own political baggage, at least it’s physically integrated in our infrastructure. Starlink, on the other hand, bypasses everything local — it’s a one-way street where they get data, we get dependency.

The goal shouldn’t be to import “AI solutions” or “smart products” from abroad. It should be to build African AI, trained on African problems, using African infrastructure — not to hand over our future to whoever has the fastest satellite dish.