News - Africa Freedom of Information Centre

Uganda Marks IDUAI 2025 with a Call for Digital Accessibility to Public Information

The music filled the room with warmth. The rhythm within began to bring the place to life despite the grey quiet morning outside. One by one, journalists with cameras, corporates in suits, and government officials in heels and tucked shirts entered each wearing a different hue of purpose and confidence. The hum of conversation filled […]

Sénégal : La promulgation de la loi sur l’accèsà l’information, une étape importante pour la transparence

Déclaration conjointe : ARTICLE 19 Sénégal et Afrique de l’Ouest et Centre africain pour la liberté d’information (AFIC) Alors que le monde commémore le dixième anniversaire de la Journée internationale de l’accès universel à l’information (JIAUI) le 28 septembre 2025, ARTICLE 19 Sénégal et Afrique de l’Ouest et le Centre africain pour la liberté […]

JOINT STATEMENT: AFIC and ARTICLE 19 WEST AFRICA

Senegal: Access to Information Law will support transparency and accountability As the world commemorated the tenth anniversary of the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) on 28 September 2025, ARTICLE 19 Senegal & West Africa and the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) welcomed the historic adoption of the Access to Information […]

AFIC to Commemorate the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) 2025

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 […]

Celebrating IDUAI 2025: AFIC members champion Access to Information across Africa

As the world prepares to commemorate the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) 2025, AFIC members are leading impactful initiatives to highlight the importance of access to information in strengthening democracy, accountability, and citizen participation. South Sudan: AMDISS Advocates for Transparency and Participation The Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) will […]

Driving Collective Impact: AFIC and members Launch Working Groups to Tackle Africa’s Governance Challenges

Across Africa, communities are demanding transparency, accountability, and inclusion in governance. Yet, despite growing commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, gaps persist. Citizens continue to face barriers to information, women and marginalized groups are excluded from opportunities, corruption undermines trust, and climate change threatens progress. To respond with […]

Beyond the Statistic: Ugandan Youth Demand Real Opportunities on International Youth Day 2025

On International Youth Day 2025, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) joined partners Twaweza, Media Challenge Initiative, Uwezo, Action for Health, and SEMA to commemorate the Youth and their contribution towards the development of Africa. During the event, new evidence from the Sauti za Wananchi survey sparked dialogue between young people and policymakers under […]

Rubanda district: Strengthening Uganda’s democracy through Access to Information

Between 4 and 8 August 2025, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC), with support from Twaweza Uganda, delivered Access to Information (ATI) trainings in Rubanda District. These sessions targeted both the demand side (civil society and journalists) and the supply side (parish chiefs and community development officers). Through building the capacity of citizens to […]

Artificial Intelligence and safety of Journalism in Uganda; Stakeholder’s dialogue

Artificial Intelligence continues to profligate the very fabrics of society. The Information ecosystem is no exception. There is already a shift in African newsrooms. Uganda is no exception. Editors are discovering that an article can be generated in seconds. Transcriptions that once took hours now arrive with the click of a button. Headlines speak with […]

Victory for the Press: Court Backs Journalist’s Right to Public Information

In a historic legal ruling that reverberates far beyond Sierra Leone’s borders, the High Court in Freetown has upheld the power of the Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC) against the Bank of Sierra Leone in a landmark freedom of information case. At the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC), we believe this decision is […]

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back: Uganda’s Slippery Media Landscape in 2024

The Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ-Uganda), a proud member of the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC), has released the 2024 edition of its Press Freedom Index (PFI). Titled “One Step Forward, Two Steps Back: A Slippery Media Landscape,” the report paints a sobering picture of Uganda’s press environment, exposing a troubling rise in restrictions, […]

“We’re Not Enemies”: Journalists and police at the Same Table

It started with tension in the room. On one side of the room, uniformed police officers. On the other, journalists—some of whom had once been manhandled by those very uniforms. But something remarkable happened over two days in April 2025. In a workshop convened by the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) with support from […]

83rd ORDINARY SESSION OF THE AFRICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS

📍 Banjul, The Gambia🗓 2–22 May 2025 (Public Session: 2–12 May | Closing Ceremony: 22 May) The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) is pleased to announce its upcoming 83rd Ordinary Session, taking place in Banjul, The Gambia, from 2 to 22 May 2025. This major continental event brings together African Union member […]

AFIC EMBARKS ON A FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN (2025-2030).

In a bid to enhance promotion of access to information, transparency, accountability, inclusive and sustainable development across Africa, Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) has embarked on a five-year strategic plan (2025-2030) to continue its mandate. In the past five years, AFIC has been able to garner immense success in its priority areas namely; Right […]

Uganda Commemorates the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists

3 December, 2024 On 4 November 2024, UNESCO, UNHCR in partnership with the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC), hosted a pivotal multi-stakeholder dialogue in Kampala, Uganda. The event, commemorating the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists (IDEI), focused on enhancing the safety of journalists, with a particular emphasis on addressing […]

Kampala Set to Host Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Crimes Against Journalists

Stakeholders Prepare to Address Impunity against Journalists at November 2 Event Kampala, October 30, 2024 — Kampala will host a major multi-stakeholder dialogue on November 2, 2024, as part of global efforts to commemorate the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. The event, organized by the Africa Freedom of Information Centre […]

AFIC Congratulates Senegal on Adopting the Access to Information Law!

The Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) warmly congratulates the Government and people of Senegal on the historic adoption of the Access to Information Law (Loi n° 2025-15 relative à l’Accès à l’Information). This progressive law guarantees the right of every person to access information held by public institutions and private bodies performing public functions, […]

Data is Power, but Who Controls It? – Dialogue on Data Governance

“Who owns your data?” – a question that has become increasingly pertinent in Uganda’s rapidly growing digital landscape. In a world increasingly driven by data, governance over personal information has never been more critical. From online banking to health records, personal data shapes the way we interact with services, businesses, and even governments. Yet, as […]

Empowering Women in Public Procurement: A Transformative Initiative by AFIC, PPDA

Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) is collaborating with The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets(PPDA to increase women’s participation in Public procurement in Uganda. This collaboration aims to enhance the participation of women in public procurement, a sector where women have historically faced numerous barriers. According to the PPDA Act’s Section 59B, contracts […]

AFIC, Ministry Of ICT, Twaweza Welcomes The Gambian Delegation

Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) joined the Ministry of ICT and National guidance, and Twaweza Uganda, on 25th July 2024, on a study tour of The Gambian government delegation on the implementation of the Access to Information ACT in Kamuli District, Uganda. Uganda adopted the Access to Information Act in 2005, becoming one of […]

Empowering Citizens: Somalia’s Official Information Bill Should Align with Global Standards for Effective Governance

Somalia; 30th , July 2024 In light of recent developments concerning Somalia’s Draft Official Information Bill, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC), the largest pan-African, membership-based civil society organisation and resource centre promoting the right of access to information, transparency and accountability across the African Continent welcomes government’s efforts to enhance transparency and […]

Implementation of UN Convention Against Corruption in East Africa

Regional Conference on reviving the regional platform Africa Nairobi, 20-23 May 2024 Outcome of the Civil Society Roundtable Overall Commitment Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have played a pivotal role in the East Africa Anti-Corruption Platform since its inception in February 2017 at the East African Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (EAAACA) regional convening on Fast […]

Uganda takes major Step towards Gender Inclusive Public Procurement

On March 22, 2024, the Government of Uganda took a major policy step to enhance women’seconomic empowerment. Uganda joined only Kenya and Tanzania by launching guidelines on the reservation scheme for public contracts for women, youth and persons with disabilities. The Guidelines seek to operationalize Section 59B of the amended Public Procurement and Disposal of […]

AFIC to collaborate with UHRC on implementation of Information law

On April 2, 2024, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) engaged in a productive discussion with the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) about the need to strengthen collaboration on the protection and promotion of the right to access information in Uganda. This meeting aimed to explore ways to ensure the public has better access […]

PPDA issues regulations for the reservation scheme for special interest groups

Research study by Africa Freedom of Information centre found that only 1% of women-led businesses participate in public procurement in Uganda. On Thursday, 25th January, The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) launched the PDDA Regulations 2023, marking a crucial stride toward streamlining the public procurement sector. Benson Turamye, the Executive Director […]

How AFIC is Building Transparency and Accountability Across Africa Society

Transparency and accountability are fundamental pillars of good governance. Transparency ensures that government processes, decisions, and data are open and accessible to the public, fostering trust and informed participation in the democratic process. Conversely, accountability guarantees that public officials are answerable for their actions, with mechanisms in place for oversight and redress when necessary. The […]

Elections in Africa:19 Countries Set To make history in 2024

Africa has a busy election calendar in 2024, with 19 countries holding presidential or general elections. These range from contested multiparty to routine electoral exercises. And, two-thirds of these will be in the last quarter of the year. Country Type of Election Date Comoros Presidential January 14 Mali Presidential February 4 Senegal Presidential February 25 […]

AFIC Trains Leaders to Benefit Special Groups in Bukoba District

Africa Freedom of Information Center (AFIC), in collaboration with The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) and non-governmental organizations Omuka Hub conducted a capacity building session for leaders of various departments and political parties in Bukoba District with the aim of overseeing the 30 percent of funds provided by the Government to benefit special groups. Various […]

🌍📜AFIC Elects a New Governing Council 2024 to 2026

On 28th February 2024, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) a pan-African membership civil society network and resource center promoting the right of access to information welcomed a new Governing Council. The election occurred during the 5th General Assembly held virtually on the 28th February 2024. The Council is comprised of seven elected members. […]

Why Access to Information Matters for Africa: Exploring the Challenges and Importance of ATI Implementation

Information access rights in Africa have a complex history rooted in colonial legacies and diverse cultural contexts. The limited progress in implementing these rights can be attributed to various challenges, including political resistance, inadequate infrastructure, and restrictive legislation. Post-colonial state formations have also hindered progress by perpetuating systems of censorship and control. […]

Why Access to Information is An Urgent Need in Africa

Access to Information is An Urgent Need in Africa From the national government to the county and regional rulings, the role of transparency cannot be overemphasized. It is the cornerstone for sustainable growth and inclusive development in every country. However, in regions where access to information is still a luxury, transparency only remains better on […]

How contracts monitoring impacts service delivery

Contracts monitoring in public procurement refers to the systematic and continuous oversight of contractual agreements entered into by government entities with suppliers, contractors, or service providers. Public procurement involves the acquisition of goods, services, or works by government agencies, and contracts monitoring is a critical aspect of ensuring that the procurement process is transparent, fair, […]

CoST Uganda: Bridging the gap-building the bridge

This article entitled “Bridging the Gaps, Building the Bridge” highlights that to achieve any development initiative, there must be a well-thought-out blueprint or roadmap that indicates the steps and stages of implementing a change strategy, access to information is key. Therefore, to enhance infrastructure transparency, data standards are adopted by different countries globally. Such data […]

Statement by HRNJ-Uganda on the International Day to End Crimes of Impunity against Journalists

The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists is a significant occasion that underscores the importance of press freedom, the safety of journalists, and the fight against impunity. This day, observed annually on November 2nd, serves as a global platform to raise awareness about the grave threats and challenges faced by journalists worldwide, […]

Prevent, protect and provide justice to end impunity for crimes against journalists-MISA

The Southern African region had in the past few years experienced an improvement in the media freedom environment. However, the last year has been characterised by democratic backsliding that has manifested in growing impunity for crimes against journalists and weaponization of the law against the media. The killing of the Lesotho broadcaster, Ralikonelo “Leqhashasha” Joki, […]

End impunity for crimes against journalists: MISA statement

Presentation by MISA Regional Director, Dr Tabani Moyo, at the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commission Panel Discussion on Legal Threats to Safety of Journalists in commemoration of International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. Date: 02 November 2023, Geneva, Switzerland. Weaponisation of the law The past few years have […]

Panos Institute Sourthern Africa; Amplifying local voices in advocacy for Access to Information law in Zambia

In the quest for a law that has eluded Zambia for more than two decades, resulting in many citizens losing interest, AFIC member Panos Institute Southern Africa has embarked on a robust campaign to mobilise citizens and facilitating their participation in the actualization of Access to Information in Zambia. Zambia previously attempted to enact […]

Panos , ACHPR Special Rapporteur discuss Access to Information and other human rights in Zambia

The Executive Director of Panos Institute Southern Africa (PSAf), Mr. Vusumuzi Sifile on 06 October 2023: paid a courtesy call on the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) ACHPR Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, Hon. Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo. The meeting, held at Hon. Commissioner Topsy-Sonoo’s office […]

20th Procurement Policy Forum: CSO’s statement

November 23, 2023 Chairperson,Senior Government Officials,Development partnersColleagues CSO leadersLadies and gentlemen;Ladies and Gentlemen; I am pleased to address this 20 th public procurement policy dialogue on behalf of civil society organisations working on transparency, accountability and integrity issues in public procurement in Uganda. CSOs working on transparency, accountability, value for money and inclusiveness in public […]

PPDA solicits input into the draft guidelines for reservation scheme

AFIC in partnership with PPDA conducted a half day workshop to review draft guidelines for special interest groups (Women, Youth and People with Disabilities) participation in public procurement. The meeting was held with PPDA’s Performance Monitoring department and the Legal and Investigations department, other key stakeholders including selected PDEs, CSOs, private sector and Women in […]

A look into Kick Corruption out of Uganda’s achievements: Paving the Way for a Corruption-Free Society

Kick Corruption out of Uganda Organisation (KICK-U) has been steadfastly working towards its mission “Facilitating Communities to demand for good Governance and Accountability for improved service delivery in Uganda.” As we reflect on our recent accomplishments, we take pride in the transformative projects and activities that have made a significant impact on the communities in […]

Open Contracting Improves Social Service Delivery in Uganda-Success Stories

Ministry of Public Service Mainstreams Open Contracting in the Curriculum of the Uganda Civil Service Open Contracting Improves Social Service Delivery in Uganda Introduction Globally, governments spend approximately USD 9.5 trillion annually in public contracting . However, the rate of return on this investment is quite low because public procurement is faced with a myriad […]

Community monitoring influences Local Government action on open contracting

Community Monitoring Influences Local Government Action in Kanungu The challenge Since the year 2018, AFIC has been training civil society organizations and community monitors on public contracts’ monitoring. Before AFIC’s interventions, the phenomenon of contracts’ monitoring was unheard of and no citizen could relate to contract information. Through continuous coaching and mentoring, citizens have been […]

AFIC briefs the media ahead of International Day for Universal Access to Information

In commemoration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) 2023, the year’s global theme, as set by UNESCO, is ‘the importance of online space for access to information’. Ms. Charity Komujjurizi speaking on behalf of the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) said that this theme is relevant as Uganda stands at the peak of […]

AFIC, Article 19, Federation of African Journalist send a letter to the President of Senegal

In a letter addressed to the President’s office, Article 19, Federation of African Journalists and Africa Freedom of Information Centre urged the government of Senegal to enact Access to Information law. Senegal remains among the 26 African Countries that have not yet enacted the Access to Information law, the rest being; Burundi, Cameroon, Central African […]

AFIC leads International Day for Universal Access to Information celebrations

The 74th UN General Assembly (UNGA) with the sponsorship of Uganda and 28 other UN member states, on October 15, 2019, proclaimed 28th September as the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI). Specific to Uganda, Article 41 of the Constitution guarantees citizens access to information whereas the Access to Information Act (ATIA) was […]

The government of Uganda praises civil society and the media for their role in exposing corruption

The government has praised civil society and the media for their role in exposing corruption, attributing their effectiveness to digital technology and social media platforms. The commissioner of national guidance in the Ministry of Information, Kamarage Kakonge, highlighted the critical role played by civil society organizations and the media in holding government officials accountable. These […]

AFIC: Observer Status Ref. Number 434 Statement in Support of the Special Mandate on Freedom of Expression

Arusha October 2023 Statement delivered by Gilbert Sendugwa, Executive Director Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) Hon Chairperson, Distinguished Hon Commissioners, State delegates, Ladies andGentlemen, Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) and its membership of 51 civil society organisations in 27 African countries, have the pleasure to commend the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression […]

Progress in the adoption of ATI legislation by States Parties: Successes and challenges

Gilbert Sendugwa, Executive Director African Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) Introduction and observations Adoption of ATI laws in Africa started very late and slowly. The first ATI law in Africa was adopted in the year 2000, nineteen (19) years after the adoption of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and when 85 other […]

Placenta pit constructed at pemba health centre as a result of citizen demand for information

Placenta Pit Constructed at Pemba Health Centre as a result of Citizen Demands The challenge: The discharge of medical waste at Pemba Health Centre in Salima district of Malawi was for a long time a significant community concern due to bad odor and ugly scenes of places where damping was taking place around the health […]

Fostering a gender responsive public procurement in Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia and Rwanda

Fostering a gender responsive public procurement in East Africa In 2021, Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) in partnership with The Institute for Social Accountability (TISA) and Open Contracting Partnership carried out a research study to understand barriers and solutions to include women-led businesses in Public Procurement. It was discovered that only 1% of women-led […]

WOBs motivated to participate in Public procurement

Women Led Businesses have been stimulated to take action into participating in Public Procurement in Uganda following a training by Africa Freedom of Information centre on bid preparation. The virtual training happened on 6th September 2023. “The presentations were exhaustive and the presenters were good. Thank you so much. I can participate in procurement” Bella […]

Stakeholders discuss ways to include WOBs in Uganda’s Public procurement

Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) conducted a multi stakeholders’ engagement to discuss the findings on the AFIC report and the draft procurement guidelines by the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) The meeting was held on the 31st August, […]

Scarcity in Digital Inclusiveness amidst opportunity in public procurement in Ethiopia

Bridging the disproportionate lag in access to fixed internet in Ethiopia at 6% less for women compared to their counterparts currently at 20%, not only composes a hindrance to realizing the SDGs but also broadens the inclusive participation in sustainable development. This eliminates 61% of Women In Businesses from contributing to sustainable economic growth majorly […]

OGP GLOBAL SUMMIT 2023: Using the Open Government Partnership to increase women’s participation in Public Procurement

Through the SDG framework, governments committed to advance gender equality. However, halfway to the SDG 2030 target, the foundations to economic are not being tackled. Governments in Africa and around the world spend over 60% of national budgets every year through public procurement yet women-owned businesses take less than 1% of this value due to […]

Empowering Women in Procurement: Rwanda’s Legislative tread for Gender Equality

Africa Freedom of Information Centre together with their Rwandan partners Never Again Rwanda, during their visit to the Forum of women Parliamentarians of Rwanda (FFRP) on Wednesday 26th July, 2023 at their offices, learnt that the Rwandan Parliament had incorporated insights from AFIC’s study on Understanding the barriers and solutions to include women led businesses […]

Ministry of Gender, Labour & Social Development partners with AFIC for gender responsive in Public Procurement

Ministry of Gender Labor and Social Development (MGLSD) has committed to lead by example in promoting the reservation of special interest groups within the Ministry Procurements. This commitment was made during the Gender and Women Affairs Departmental weekly meeting on the 14th August, 2023 where AFIC was invited to make a presentation from the study […]

Access to Information triggers improved cleanliness and better hygiene in Salima Township, Malawi

Access To Information Triggers Improved Cleanliness And Better Hygiene In Salima Township, Malawi Thousands of people finally enjoy better hygiene and cleanliness resulting from campaigns launched in Salima district in Malawi. This followed citizen training on citizen contract monitoring and access to Information through open contracting project carried out by Africa Freedom of Information Centre […]

Citizen Monitoring Revives a 14-Year Abandoned Health Project to the Benefit of over 12000 Individuals

As the age-old adage, ‘’ information is power’’! It represents a fundamental principle that underscores democratic societies and empowers communities; one such testimony to the power of information is the story of the Aworopataa community health centre. Over a decade ago, in 2008, the Aworopataa community in the Techiman Municipal Assembly, a contractor had commenced the […]

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