Title: AI and the Future of Work in Uganda: Essential Skills, Attitudes, and Knowledge for the Multi-Talented Professional
Authors: Dr. Arinaitwe Julius, Musiimenta Nancy
Volume: 9
Issue: 11
Pages: 322-329
Publication Date: 2025/11/28
Abstract:
This cross-sectional quantitative study investigated the essential skills, attitudes, and knowledge required for multi-talented professionals in Uganda's AI-transformed work environment. Using stratified random sampling, 385 professionals from six key economic sectors across Uganda's major urban centers completed a validated questionnaire measuring digital literacy, technical skills, soft skills, growth mindset, interdisciplinary knowledge, and work outcomes. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations, binary logistic regression, and multiple linear regression with rigorous assumption testing. Results revealed that soft skills scored highest (M = 4.12) while technical skills demonstrated a preparedness gap (M = 3.45). All competencies showed strong positive correlations with perceived employability and job performance (r = .489 to .724, p < .01). Binary logistic regression indicated that growth mindset (OR = 2.333), AI training exposure (OR = 3.473), and adaptability (OR = 1.864) significantly predicted successful AI tool integration, with the model achieving 78.4% classification accuracy. Multiple linear regression explained 61.2% of variance in job performance, with interdisciplinary knowledge emerging as the strongest predictor (? = .321), followed by soft skills (? = .222) and technical skills (? = .203). All three hypotheses received strong support: digital literacy predicted perceived employability, growth mindset facilitated AI integration, and interdisciplinary knowledge enhanced job performance beyond specialized expertise. The findings validated the multi-talented professional framework for Uganda's context, demonstrating that success in AI-augmented workplaces required integrated competencies spanning technical abilities, soft skills, interdisciplinary knowledge, and adaptive attitudes, with implications for educational reform, workforce development policies, and professional training programs aimed at preparing Uganda's workforce for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.