Secretaries Face Job Insecurity as AI Technology Advances

A wave of anxiety has swept through Uganda's secretarial profession as emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), threaten to render their roles obsolete. Hundreds of secretaries gathered in Mukono for their annual conference, where the dominant discussion centred on adapting to the rapid technological changes disrupting their field.  

The growing adoption of AI-powered tools in various organisations has left many secretaries fearful for their livelihoods. Peter Byamugisha, an AI expert who conducted training sessions at the conference, delivered a sobering message: "This is the critical moment for secretaries to upskill or risk being replaced entirely." He explained how numerous companies worldwide are already transitioning to AI systems that can perform traditional secretarial tasks like scheduling, data entry, and correspondence faster and more accurately.  

Julius Ssemaganda, president of the National Secretaries' Association, emphasised the urgency of continuous learning, particularly for senior secretaries who have spent decades in the profession. "The technological landscape is evolving faster than ever before," Ssemaganda noted. Those unwilling to embrace these changes will find themselves left behind."  

The conference revealed a stark generational divide, with younger secretaries generally more adaptable to new technologies compared to their older counterparts, who struggle with digital transitions. Many attendees shared stories of organisations gradually phasing out secretarial positions in favour of automated systems, leaving experienced professionals suddenly unemployed.  

Byamugisha warned that this trend will only accelerate, pointing out that AI systems can now handle complex administrative tasks without breaks, benefits, or salaries. "The question isn't whether AI will affect these jobs," he stated, "but how quickly and extensively the transformation will occur."  

Despite the grim outlook, the conference also highlighted potential pathways for adaptation. Training sessions focused on developing complementary skills that AI cannot easily replicate, such as emotional intelligence, complex problem-solving, and high-level administrative strategy. Many participants left with renewed determination to reinvent their roles rather than become victims of technological progress.  

As organisations across Uganda continue to modernise their operations, the fate of traditional secretarial positions hangs in the balance. The Mukono gathering served as both a warning and a call to action for professionals who must now race to stay relevant in an increasingly automated workplace.