The Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) has embarked on a new 12-month initiative with support from UNESCO’s International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC). The project, “Promoting Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in East Africa through the Universal Periodic Review (UPR),” will strengthen the capacity of journalists, civil society organisations (CSOs), and media support institutions in Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda to more effectively engage with the UPR mechanism.
The project responds to a persistent gap: while UNESCO issued the 2022 Guidelines for Civil Society on promoting Freedom of Expression, Access to Information, and Safety of Journalists through the UPR, many actors in East Africa remain unaware of these tools or lack the capacity to use them to shape national commitments. As a result, opportunities to strengthen press freedom, promote ATI reforms, and hold states accountable through the UPR process remain underutilised.
This initiative aims to change that.
Why the UPR Matters for Freedom of Expression and ATI
The Universal Periodic Review one of the UN’s most participatory human rights processes allows states, civil society, and journalists to spotlight human rights issues and propose concrete reforms.
For East African countries, the UPR has been a major pathway to:
advancing press freedom recommendations
strengthening access to information laws and implementation
addressing attacks on journalists and impunity
expanding civic space
elevating digital rights concerns
However, meaningful participation requires strong, evidence-based reporting, coordinated advocacy, and familiarity with the UPR guidelines and cycles areas where many actors need more support.
What the Project will do
Running from November 2025 to October 2026 across Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda, the project will deliver a powerful mix of research, training, advocacy, and shadow reporting. Its major components include:
1. Baseline research on UPR Uptake
AFIC will assess how journalists and CSOs currently use the UPR system, identifying gaps, opportunities, and capacity needs.
The research will be led by:
Mercy Abiro Owilla — Lead Researcher
Gaaba Maria Lakel — Researcher, Communications & Advocacy Lead
Sight Ampamya — Data Analyst & Co-Researcher
Their combined expertise in digital rights, communication, data analysis, and media freedoms provides a strong foundation for rigorous, actionable findings.
2. Training Journalists & CSOs on UPR Mechanisms
Following the research, AFIC will train:
Journalists and CSOs (Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda)
Using UNESCO’s UPR Guidelines
With a combination of hands-on modules, case studies, and practical exercises
The sessions will be facilitated by experienced human rights and media freedom experts, including:
These trainings will equip participants to document violations, draft submissions, and advocate for strong UPR recommendations.
3. Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns
The project will amplify public understanding of the UPR through:
Radio talk shows (5 per country)
Social media campaigns
Public outreach materials
Media partnerships
This will broaden public engagement, especially in communities with limited access to internet-based communications.
4. Supporting Shadow Reporting
AFIC will support CSOs and journalists to collectively draft and submit UPR shadow reports, ensuring that issues related to:
freedom of expression
media rights
access to information
safety of journalists
digital rights
are well represented in each country’s UPR review.
5. Policy Roundtable Dialogues
The project will convene:
Two national roundtables in each country, one with CSOs & journalists, another with policymakers
These dialogues will strengthen accountability, build consensus around key UPR recommendations, and develop concrete follow-up action plans.
Expected Impact
By the end of the project, AFIC and UNESCO expect to achieve:
Stronger understanding and use of the UPR among journalists and CSOs
Improved evidence-based reporting on freedom of expression and ATI
Increased public awareness of UPR recommendations
More inclusive, coordinated, and impactful UPR shadow reports
Enhanced national dialogue on press freedom and ATI commitments
Practical action plans for monitoring and implementing UPR recommendations
Ultimately, the project will contribute to a more open, accountable, and informed East African region where the rights to freedom of expression and access to information are stronger and better protected.
A Partnership Rooted in Impact
AFIC’s longstanding expertise in freedom of expression, ATI, and journalist safety combined with UNESCO’s global leadership in communication development makes this partnership a timely and strategic investment.
As East Africa navigates complex challenges around media freedom, digital governance, and civic space, strengthening engagement with the UPR offers a powerful avenue to push for reform, elevate voices, and ensure no one is left behind.
