Every year on 28th September, the world celebrates the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI)—a day that reaffirms the fundamental right of citizens to access public information as a cornerstone of transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.
The 2025 global theme, “Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age,” holds particular significance for Uganda. While policies and frameworks to address climate change exist, citizens’ access to timely and reliable information on climate financing, natural resource management, and environmental policy implementation remains limited. Without this information, communities struggle to participate effectively in decision-making, journalists face barriers in investigative reporting, and accountability in climate governance is weakened.
To mark IDUAI 2025, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC), in partnership with Twaweza and the Department of Journalism and Communication at Makerere University, will host a half-day national dialogue on 7th October 2025 at the Media Challenge Initiative offices in Ggaba, Kampala. The event will bring together ministries, civil society organizations, academia, journalists, and students to reflect on progress and challenges in access to environmental information in Uganda.
Key Highlights of the Event
🔹 Presentation of Reports
- Twaweza will share findings from its latest study on the state of access to information in Uganda.
- AFIC will present an ATI Request Analysis Report, spotlighting trends, successes, and persistent barriers in information disclosure.
🔹National Debate
A structured debate under the motion: “Is Uganda making meaningful progress in ensuring access to environmental information?” will feature students, journalists, and CSOs. The debate will not only generate diverse perspectives but also invite responses from government officials and experts.
🔹Human Stories Exhibition
Participants will hear testimonies and short video stories showcasing how access to information (or its absence) affects real lives, from communities demanding climate justice to journalists pushing for transparency.
🔹Media Clinic & Call to Action
A dedicated session will equip journalists with practical tools, tips, and story leads to strengthen environmental reporting using Uganda’s Access to Information Act.
Why This Matters
This year’s commemoration seeks to:
- Raise awareness among journalists, students, CSOs, and citizens about the role of access to environmental information in advancing climate justice.
- Strengthen the capacity of media practitioners and journalism students to request and effectively use information in reporting.
- Create space for constructive dialogue between government and civil society on progress and challenges in implementing the Access to Information Act.
- Inspire a stronger culture of transparency and accountability in environmental governance.
Expected Outcomes
The dialogue is expected to deliver:
- Greater awareness and demand for access to environmental information among citizens and journalists.
- Concrete stakeholder recommendations to improve implementation of Uganda’s Access to Information Act.
- Commitments from government officials and institutions toward advancing transparency.
- Rich media coverage and strengthened reporting on ATI and environmental governance.
Looking Ahead
As Uganda joins the world in celebrating IDUAI 2025, AFIC and its partners reaffirm their commitment to empowering citizens, strengthening media engagement, and ensuring that access to information becomes a lived reality — especially in addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and environmental governance.
