AI Without Borders: Navigating Implementation Requirements for Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education Institutions in Uganda

Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents a transformative potential for enhancing administrative efficiency, teaching methodologies, and research capabilities within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Uganda. However, the integration of AI into academic and operational frameworks is fraught with significant challenges. This study explores the specific requirements and barriers that Ugandan HEIs face when seeking to adopt AI technologies, with a particular focus on applications within and alongside existing Learning Management Systems (LMS). Through a qualitative descriptive design involving in-depth interviews with 20 stakeholders and document analysis, the paper examines the regulatory, technical, data-related, and socioeconomic factors influencing AI adoption. The findings indicate that key barriers include a profound perceived lack of institutional readiness, critical infrastructure and data governance gaps, a severe human capacity deficit, and a lack of strategic leadership and policy. The study concludes that AI adoption is not merely a technological challenge but a complex socio-technical one. Recommendations include the development of national AI in education policies, a phased approach focusing on data governance and digital maturity, investment in multi-tiered capacity-building programs, and the promotion of strategic leadership to drive the agenda. By systematically addressing these requirements, Ugandan HEIs can better navigate the path toward AI integration, thereby unlocking opportunities for improved educational outcomes and institutional development. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Higher Education, Uganda, Learning Management Systems, Digital Transformation, Implementation Challenges.