Luganda okuwandiika okukoma kuja kumanyisibwa: okuwawula ebiseera n’okukakasa n’okufikiriza enpowozi z’amaloboozi ag’abalimi ba lukuba.

In a world where larger languages commonly dominate, Luganda, a language spoken by over 20 million people, is making its mark in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The pioneering Luganda Neural Text-to-Speech (LNTS) system has been designed to cater specifically to Luganda speakers, including those with visual impairments. According to James Mugalu, an architect, the system represents a unique chance to engage with native language content, like the Bible, keeping cultural and language nuances alive.

The LNTS technology was developed by Ronald Kizito, a researcher at the College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT) at Makerere University. Kizito’s team carried out a detailed exploration of Luganda’s linguistic elements to design a system that could transform text into spoken words with a high degree of accuracy. The technology aims to help those who understand Luganda but encounter difficulties when trying to read due to visual impairments, illiteracy, or other physical barriers.

Designed to operate in both offline and online environments and compatible with fundamental devices, the LNTS system effectively answers a variety of user needs. Although Text-To-Speech (TTS) technologies have steadily gained ground in languages like English, French, and Chinese, the launch of LNTS constitutes a notable achievement. The national government’s Research and Innovations Fund has backed the initiative, highlighting its significance and potential influence on both academic and broader communities.

Dr. Abubaker Matovu Wasswa, Head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Makerere University, draws attention to the system’s capacity to overcome the problems linked with poor reading habits. This, in turn, will provide users a handy and accessible means to connect with written materials. As this initiative advances, it stands as a shining example of how technology can be utilized to eliminate barriers and foster inclusivity.

Currently tailor-made for Luganda speakers, the success of the LNTS project opens the door for similar efforts in other widely spoken languages across Africa. It forecasts a future where linguistic diversity is embraced and access to information becomes universal, underlining the extraordinary potential of leveraging technology for inclusivity and accessibility.