News - Africa Freedom of Information Centre

AFIC gets a new Strategic Plan; 2021-2025

We are pleased to share our new strategic plan themed, “Access to Information: The Bridge to Sustainable Development”. The strategic plan is informed by the collective lessons from our members and Secretariat as well as the current contexts of right to information, transparency and accountability in Africa. Our new strategic plan seeks to make a […]

Improving disclosure and value for money in health procurement in Uganda

Uganda’s health sector disclosure improving but still low, losing billions Ugandan health authorities have improved their disclosure of public health contracts this year following a report by open contracting advocates from civil society drawing attention to the issue, as well as training conducted with civil servants on how to use the government’s electronic procurement system. […]

Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) and MS Training Centre for Development Cooperation (MS TCDC), officially collaborate to promote citizens’ right of Access to Information, Open Governance and Accountability in Africa.

PRESS RELEASE Launch of Right of Access to Information, Open Governance and Accountability Training in Africa Arusha & Kampala. October 7, 2020. The MS Training Centre for Development Cooperation (MS TCDC) and Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) has today signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will see the two institutions provide training on Citizens’ […]

ICJ Kenya monitors provision of information by state agencies in dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic

On Thursday, 2nd July 2020, 13 Petitioners filed an urgent case against various several government officials in the High Court in Nairobi for failure on their part to provide information sought from them in accordance to Article 35 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 and the Access to Information Act, 2016 in the context of […]

PPDC reveals results of the 2020 Open State Government Ranking in Nigeria

On the 29th of September 2020, the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) revealed the results of the 2020 Open State Government Ranking. The ranking aims to encourage states to increase citizens’ participation in governance through publication of government held data and and information. The Open State Government Ranking assesses state governments who have made […]

“Yes does, No doesn’t;” Young People in East Africa weigh in on the role of Access to Information in ensuring transparency and accountability.

As we continue reflecting on the International Day for Universal Access to Information, Africa Freedom of Information Centre, with support from the Democratic Governance Facility had a students’ debate which was jointly organized in partnership with Open Space Centre, on issues of accountability and access to Information in Uganda, and to increase awareness amongst the […]

Why public officers deny citizens access to information and records

The right to access to information in Uganda has been curtailed due to deficient implementation of the Access to Information Law Enacted in Uganda almost 16-years ago. As the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) marks the 2020 International Day for Universal Access to Information 28 September. It is emerging that in Uganda, the […]

Taking stock of the right of access to information.

Every year on 28 September, the world commemorates the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI). This Day was initially proclaimed by the UNESCO General Conference in 2015, following the adoption of the 38 C/Resolution 57 that declared 28 September of every year as the International Day for Universal Access to Information and was first commemorated in 2016. The […]

Civil Society Organizations ask government to disclose more information on COVID-19

As the country joins the rest of the world to celebrate the International Day of Access to Information, Civil Society Organizations (CSO) have asked ministries, departments and agencies to disclose public information on Covid-19 as a way to enforce the law. In an interview with the Daily Monitor about the day that has been themed, “Access […]

UNESCO reaffirms the importance of upholding the right to access information, in particular amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

In her remarks, Ms. Ann Therese Ndong-Jatta, the UNESCO Director for Multi-Sectoral Office and Regional Representative for East Africa, highlighted that the commemoration of IDUAI 2020 is anchored within the framework of the right to access in times of crisis and highlights the advantages of having constitutional, statutory and/or policy guarantees for public access to […]

Access to information and the state of play in Uganda, a reflection on the journey to 28 September

As we commemorate the first International Day for Universal Access to Information today, September 28, 2020, I reflect back to 2010 when Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) and its African Platform on Access to Information Partners started a campaign for such a day. We were inspired to start the campaign because at the time there were only five […]

The UN system in Uganda remains committed to advancing the realization of the fundamental right of access to information

Remarks by the UN Resident Coordinator and Designated Official for Security, H.E. Rosa Malango Venue: Kampala Serena Conference Centre Date: 28 September 2020 Acknowledgements: Rt. Hon Jacob Oulanyah, Deputy Speaker, Parliament of Uganda Hon. Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, Principal Judge of Uganda Ms. Ann Therese Ndong-Jatta, Director UNESCO Regional Office, Eastern Africa Hon. Jamesina Essie […]

AFIC urges AU Member States to uphold Access to Information at the Commemoration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information.

September 28, 2020, Kampala Rt. Hon Jacob Oulanyah, Deputy Speaker, Parliament of Uganda Hon. Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, Principal Judge of Uganda H.E Rosa Malango, UN Resident Coordinator Hon. Members of Parliament, Ms. Ann Therese Ndong-Jatta, Director of UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa Hon. Jamesina Essie L. King, Africa Union Special Rapporteur on Freedom […]

Civil Society Organizations call on African Governments to promote Access to Information ahead of the International Day for Universal Access to Information.

“ACCESS TO INFORMATION IN TIMES OF CRISIS” PRESS STAMENT Kampala, September 25, 2020 On 15th October 2019, the 74th UN General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 28th September as the International Day for Universal Access to Information. This year, therefore, marks the first commemoration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information since […]

Civil Society Organizations embark on Improving Transparency and Accountability in Electoral Processes in Africa

KAMPALA, LUSAKA, BANJUL 22nd SEPTEMBER 2020 “Elections are at the heart of democracy. When conducted with integrity, they allow citizens to have a voice in how and by whom they are governed.” Kofi Annan Three media development and press freedom advocacy organizations have partnered to implement a project to Improve Transparency and Accountability in electoral processes […]

What we can learn from COVID-19 and anti-corruption strategies in Africa.

Originally published by Zukiswa Kota• 3 September 2020 During times of crisis, transparency, accountability and public participation are critical in order to ensure funds are not misappropriated. It is therefore of paramount importance that anti-corruption mechanisms are put in place as a matter of priority in order to monitor the use of public funds, writes Zukiswa […]

Picking lessons from strengthening disclosure and citizen participation in public contracting in Africa: A case of Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria

With support from the William + Flora Hewlett Foundation, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) concluded a project which has achieved significant progress during its implementation in each of the countries. In Kenya, the project successfully mobilized the commitment of the government to implement open contracting in the country’s OGP National Action Plan, proactive […]

From disclosure to impact: Deepening and Broadening Open Contracting in Africa

Africa Freedom of Information Centre has received more support from the William + Flora Hewlett Foundation for three years, to deepen and broaden Open Contracting in Africa. The project will support AFIC and its members to promote the performance of public contracts in targeted sectors in Malawi, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, and Nigeria with a focus […]

Malawi takes low strides in implementing Open Contracting and Access to Information commitments in OGP National Action Plans.

Founded on September 20th, 2011, the Open Government Partnership is a multilateral initiative that aims to secure concrete commitments from national and subnational governments to promote open government, empower citizens, fight corruption, and harness new technologies to strengthen governance. In 2013, OGP’s thematic goals centered on Citizen Action and Responsive Government. In an era of […]

AFIC takes steps to improve Transparency and Accountability in Electoral Processes in Africa

With support from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) in collaboration with its partners Panos Institute Southern Africa and Gambia Press Union are implementing a project aimed at promoting Transparency and Accountability in electoral processes in Africa. Following long years of military coups and one-party systems, the holding of […]

AFIC joins other CSOs in Africa to petition Mnangagwa to free Chin’ono Hopewell

His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa Munhumutapa Building 76 Samora Machel Avenue Harare Zimbabwe Your Excellency, The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) presents its compliments to you. AFEX is a network of some of the most influential freedom of expression organizations across Africa that work together to promote and improve the press freedom situation on […]

Contracts Monitoring: Communities are less involved during project selection and implementation.

A contract monitoring report has implicated 15 districts in Acholi, Karamoja, Teso, and West Nile sub-regions, for delayed commencement of contracts and disclosure of information on government projects. The monitoring carried out by Africa Freedom of Information Center (AFIC) in collaboration with OXFAM, focused on Procurement plans and contracts for different government projects such as […]

AFIC Contract Monitoring report cites procurement flaws in Local Governments

Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) in collaboration with Oxfam conducted a contract monitoring in 15 districts of Agago, Gulu, Lamwo, Nwoya, Pader, Kotido, Kaabong, Kumi, Serere, Soroti, Arua, Adjumani, Koboko, Nebbi, and Yumbe. The report has indicated that there is a lack of appropriate checks and balances in procurement processes and the award of […]

Adapting to the post COVID-19 Outbreak

The Covid-19 Shock and Working from Home The outbreak of the Covid-19 was a shock to everyone. The scale of the problem and the fast pace of infections meant creative thinking on different fronts. For AFIC staff, ensuring the safety of staff was an immediate objective. We instituted measures to ensure office premises were safe. […]

AFIC meets the Minister of ICT & National Guidance, ahead of IDUAI 2020 commemoration

Ahead of preparations for the International Day of Universal Access to Information, Africa Freedom of Information Centre met the Uganda Minister of ICT &National Guidance, Hon. Judith Nabakooba and the Permanent Secretary. We discussed findings and recommendations of the Shadow Report to Parliament and explore avenues for partnership with the ministry as we plan to […]

AFIC welcomes Uganda’s admission as an EITI implementing country

The EITI Board has approved Uganda’s application to join the EITI as of 12th August 2020. This makes Uganda the EITI’s 54th member country and the 26th in Africa. Uganda’s candidature application was received by the EITI Secretariat on 13 July 2020. Uganda’s candidature application form, together with supporting documentation, was approved by the MSG […]

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Uganda takes lead in public procurement data disclosure, analysis and use

“We are committed to ensuring that we improve on the level of disclosure and will need AFIC services on training our procurement staff on how to disclose information on the GPP,” said Ms. Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health in Uganda. She made these comments while meeting with the team from […]

Stakeholders equipped with Open Contracting Data Standards skills to enhance effective monitoring of Ghana’s procurement process

Capacity Development helps to strengthen institutions to perform better and manage the change. It is important to consider not only the Public Procurement Authority staff in the implementation of this project but also every other stakeholder involved in the entire procurement process particularly at the demand and supply side: public servants, private sector, and citizens […]

Ghana introduces OCDS compliant e-GP platform to digitize public procurement in the country

According to Ghana’s Public Procurement Authority (PPA), public procurement accounts for about 29% of imports into the country. Ghana has a fairly robust legislative framework for public procurement. However, lack of enforcement of procurement laws and regulations has led to myriad procurement-related corruption, costing the nation millions of Ghana cedis. The country has a very […]

Public Contracting in Kenya – Is there political will to realize the promise of Open Contracting in Kenya?

In recent years, the issue of public procurement is one that has captured national attention and one that has consequently necessitated the attention of the highest office in the land as envisaged by the various public pronouncements made with regard to public procurement in Kenya. These public pronouncements were made ostensibly to assure citizens of […]

Citizens’ monitoring of public contracting leads to improved service delivery in Malawi

Malawi like any other African country grapples with the challenge of corruption having slipped from 120 to 123 on the global Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). The country is still reeling from the crisis triggered by the infamous 2013 corruption scandal dubbed ‘cashgate’ in which up to US$250 million of taxpayers’ money was lost through fraudulent […]

The Open Contracting Multi Sectoral Group (OC-MSG) enables CSOs in Malawi to speak with one voice

“The journey for advancing Open Contracting in Malawi can only be successful if we all come together to speak with one voice,” indicated Michael Kaiyatsa, the Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR)’s Ag. Executive Director at the end of the first multi-stakeholder meeting for Open Contracting Stakeholders that was held at Sogecoa Golden Peacock, […]

Nigeria embraces adoption of the Open Contracting Data Standards (OCDS)

The Federal Government of Nigeria publicly committed to full implementation and adoption of the Open Contracting Data Standards (OCDS) at the 2016 London Anti-corruption Summit. Since then, the Industry Regulator- Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has consistently worked with stakeholders to drive the process of its implementation by setting up a multi-stakeholder forum – the […]

Freedom of Information Ranking improves disclosure practices of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TET Fund)

In recent years, Nigeria has prioritized human capital development and one way to improve the human capital index is through adequate infrastructural provisions, social welfare, and alike. The Nigerian government has supported this effort through an increase in the education budget in addition to donor support to tertiary and basic education sectors in Nigeria. Among […]

Where is the value for money in public procurement?

AFIC produces an in-depth Analytical Report on the Status of Uganda’s Public Procurement Disclosure. Public procurement expenditure in Uganda accounts for 60% of the national budget according to the Public Procurement and Disposal Authority (PPDA). This expenditure that takes such a huge percentage of the budget should indeed translate into effective service delivery for the […]

AFIC supports and builds Civil Society and governments’ capacity to adopt Open Contracting in Africa

Enhancing public procurement through open contracting requires investment in key stakeholders and ensuring that their capacity is well built to support all the procurement processes. The capacity of public officials should be built to enhance their ability to disclose public procurement information and also respond to the feedback provided by citizens. The citizens’ capacity too, […]

“Openness in public contracting has always been one of the goals of the PPDA as a regulator of public procurement in Uganda.”

Edwin Muhumuza- Director of Corporate Affairs, PPDA Speaks about Open Contracting in Uganda For the last 4 years, Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) has been partnering with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) in promoting efficient public procurement in Uganda. We had a conversation with Mr. Edwin Muhumuza, the Director of […]

AFIC Releases Contracts Monitoring Report for Selected Districts for FY 2018/19

On Friday, 24th July 2020, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) released the report on contract monitoring processes for selected district local government for Financial Year (FY) 2018/19, during a high-level dialogue on public contracting in Uganda. The report analyses implementation of public procurement at the local government level through an in-depth contract monitoring […]

The Gambia embarks on journey to adopt ATI law

The Gambia Press Union awaits adoption of the Access To Information draft bill 2019, recently tabled for consideration at the National Assembly. This statement was originally published on africafex.org on 29 June 2020. Access to Information is one of the pillars of a strong democratic government. The legal right to request information from the government can lead […]

Upcoming: AFIC receives support from NED

With support from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) in collaboration with its partners are implementing a project aimed at promoting Transparency and Accountability in electoral processes in Africa…

More districts embrace open contracting in Uganda; registered on the Government Procurement Portal

On 03rd July 2020, the Local Governments of Lamwo, Serere, Kotido, and Yumbe registered for the first time on the Government Procurement Portal. The Procurement officers received training on how to upload procurement information on the GPP that was organized by AFIC in collaboration with the Performance Monitoring Directorate of PPDA. The training was as […]

AFIC makes recommendations to the Namibia Access to Information Bill

At the request of Namibia Media Trust (NMT), Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) provided comments and recommendations on Namibia’s Draft Access to Information Bill based on the draft Model Law on Access to Information for African Union Member States (the “AU Model Law”) and other AU member states legal frameworks on ATI as well […]

Freedom of Information Bill passed into law in Zimbabwe

02 Jul 2020 The signing into law of the Freedom of Information Act as part of the processes of repealing the draconian and widely discredited Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) is a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s law reforms agenda that should set the pace for the repeal of other laws that […]

Uganda policy makers urged to promote Digital Rights amidst COVID-19

A Policy Brief released by Africa Freedom of Information Centre on ‘‘Advancing Digital Rights amidst COVID-19 in Uganda”, indicated that as the number of COVID-19 conﬁrmed cases continue to soar, the government has been deliberate in embracing technology, including encouraging mobile money transactions, online engagements, especially for conferences and COVID-19 related behavior change communication campaigns. […]

Leading Civil Society Organizations call for timely Access to Information during Uganda’s 2021 general elections

Kampala, Uganda Leading Civil Society Organisations have implored the Uganda Electoral Commission to ensure citizens access to timely information on all electoral processes for the country’s presidential and general elections slated for February 2021. The call was made by the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC), Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ), Transparency International-Uganda (TI-U), […]

Citizens’ Access to Information: A tool to build trust and address corruption

People need the information to make decisions on personal development, education of their children or health of mothers. They need information in order to influence policies and decisions of government on where more efforts are needed and when. Citizens need the information to limit the consequences of climate change and to provide feedback on how […]

Monitoring COVID-19 response.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Uganda, like many countries around the world, has put in place a number of measures to respond to the prevention and control of the outbreak since it registered its first case on 21 March 2020. The response measures include awareness campaigns about the diseases as well as strict […]

Access to information is not a choice but crucial for an effective response to the COVID-19 crisis.

The need for accessing public information during crisis exists at every step, regardless of the severity it may have on the people. Governments often have vital information that members of the public need to make crucial decisions concerning their lives. Such information must, therefore, be disseminated promptly and as completely and accurately as possible. It’s […]

Information Request leads to recovery of heifers from leaders

In 2018, Nebbi district local government procured 331 Zeb heifers under Peace Recovery and Development Plan (PRDP) cattle restocking program. In one of the council meetings, district councilors made a malicious resolution for each councilor to receive a heifer under the pretext of creating a model that compares the survival rates of animals distributed to […]

Government Procurement Portal strengthened, disclosure and use of Procurement Data improved

AFIC supported PPDA the successfully redesigned the Government Procurement Portal (GPP) and aligned it to Open Contracting Data Standards (OCDS); making Uganda the first African country to reach this fit. The website which went live in March 2019 was redesigned to accommodate the increased numbers of entities that must disclose public procurement information that is […]

Community Monitoring Influences Local Government Action

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 equipped with the capacity to request and use contract information […]

Citizens’ Access to Information Training helps District Officials deliver their mandate

“If it wasn’t for AFIC, I wouldn’t be here as an Information Officer. The skills and knowledge of ATI and Open Contracting that I acquired through AFIC training while I was still in active journalism helps me every day in executing my duties. Through those skills, I can write stories on contract monitoring and other […]

Disclosure of Procurement Information on Notice Boards and Agency Websites Improves.

Access to information is one of the keys to democracy. When people seek and receive public documents, they can use them as critical tools for fighting corruption. Citizens equipped with information can exercise their fundamental human rights by participating in the demand for accountability and hence making governments more efficient. As part of the process […]

Nigeria;Kaduna State now a model in Open Contracting

Kaduna, is the 18th state of Federal republic of Nigeria located in the north, its capital is Kaduna, usually the state is referred to as Kaduna State to distinguish it from the state capital, the state is in Northwest Nigeria. Its capital is Kaduna. it is ranked 4th by land area and 3rd by population in Nigeria. ”Kaduna state is now a model in Open […]

Addressing human rights concerns during COVID-19 response in vulnerable populations.

International human rights law guarantees everyone the right to the highest attainable standard of health and obligates governments to take steps to prevent threats to public health and to provide medical care to those who need it. The Siracusa Principles, adopted by the UN Economic and Social Council in 1984, and UN Human Rights Committee general […]

Continuing education through alternative learning pathways amidst COVID-19

Education, Armed conflicts, forced displacement, climate change-induced disasters and protracted crises have disrupted the education of 75 million children and youth globally. And that number is growing in an unprecedented way with the spread of COVID-19. Education has been hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic with 1.53 billion learners out of school and 184 country-wide […]

Public Access to Information is the difference between life and death: central to combat COVID-19

The outbreak of coronavirus and the disease causes created anxiety, fear, and confusion. These are not misplaced. Hundreds of thousands have been infected while tens of thousands have lost their lives. Jobs have been lost, economies are breading and health infrastructure is overstretched. Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) covid-19 tracker shows that as of […]

AFIC shares real time updates on COVID-19 through data visualization

AFIC has developed an interactive COVID19 tracker to promote access to information on this pandemic. The tracker provides real-time updates on the number of confirmed cases, fatalities and recoveries of COVID19. It also provides a predictive model for the projected number of cases over the next 10 days or so, based on currently disclosed data. […]

AFIC receives new grant from the Democratic Governance Facility

On this day, the 18th of March, 2020, Africa Freedom of Information Centre has received yet more support and entered into an agreement with the Democratic Governance Facility to implement a two-year project titled, ”Enhancing Value for Money in Social Services through Open Contracting and Citizens’ Access to Information. This happened at the DGF offices […]

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