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 mark IDUAI 2025 with a two-day commemoration in Juba on 30 September and 1 October 2025. The event will bring together government officials, media practitioners, civil society, and other stakeholders for a series of keynote presentations, including
- The National Election Commission on mainstreaming access to information and participation during elections.
- Hon. Mary Ayen Mijak, Acting Speaker of the Council of States, on promoting the right to environmental information and public participation in addressing South Sudan’s unique challenges.
- Media stakeholders (AMDISS, UJOSS, TRC) sharing experiences on the role of civil society and the media in combating misinformation.
- The National Communication Authority (NCA) on integrating big data and digital innovations into access to information laws and promoting climate transparency.
- A Security Sector representative on the role of security in advancing access to information, including limitations.
This commemoration will spotlight the critical intersection between elections, environment, security, and digital innovations in ensuring transparency and accountability in South Sudan.
Cameroon: ADISI Strengthens Journalists ahead of Elections
In Douala, Cameroon, on 29–30 September 2025, the Association for Integrated Development and Interactive Solidarity (ADISI-Cameroun) will host a capacity-building workshop for journalists as part of its project Pooling resources for access to information during elections in Cameroon.
With presidential elections scheduled in October 2025 and legislative/municipal elections in 2026, the training will:
- Strengthen journalists’ capacities to cover elections ethically and professionally.
- Equip participants with advanced fact-checking and verification techniques.
- Build resilience against disinformation, hate speech, and foreign interference.
- Encourage documentation of human rights violations during election periods.
The workshop will bring together journalists, digital experts, fact-checkers, and journalism trainers, reinforcing the role of media in ensuring reliable, responsible, and accessible information in Cameroon’s democratic process.
Uganda: Reflecting on ATI Implementation
In Uganda, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC), in partnership with Twaweza East Africa and Makerere University, will host a national dialogue to reflect on the implementation of the Access to Information Act. The event will bring together government institutions, academia, media, and civil society to assess:
- Progress in implementing Uganda’s Access to Information law.
- Challenges and opportunities in realizing citizens’ right to know.
- The role of state and non-state actors in strengthening transparency and accountability.
This reflection aims to provide evidence-based recommendations that can shape policy reforms and improve access to information for all Ugandans.
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