News - Africa Freedom of Information Centre

Whistleblower Protection In Kenya, Mauritius, South Sudan and Uganda

Whistleblower Protection In Kenya, Mauritius, South Sudan and Uganda In recent years, the total global economic loss incurred due to fraud and wrongdoing in organizations has significantly increased. A study conducted by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) in 2016 reported that this total loss exceeded $6.3 billion, rising to $7 billion in 201811. […]

Sunlight in Digital Technology: Case for Liberia, Nigeria & Uganda,

Sunlight in Digital Technology: Case for Liberia, Nigeria & Uganda What does the public know about transparency and safeguards in the procurement and deployment of Digital Technology Systems in Africa? The Africa Freedom of Information (AFIC) with generous support from Omidyar Network carried out a pilot research study that investigated the procurement and deployment […]

Deepening open government through women’s participation in public contracting in Kenya, Nigeria and Malawi

Deepening open government through women’s participation in public contracting in Kenya, Nigeria and Malawi Women’s economic empowerment is very important as it contributes to national economic growth and enhances achievement of internationally agreed upon goals and development commitments according to UN Women. Economically empowered women contribute highly to an improved quality of life to men, […]

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 […]

WOBs trained on bidding process for public procurement in Uganda

AFIC’s study on Understanding Barriers and solutions to include Women Led Businesses in public procurement in Uganda identified successes, gaps and constraints of women led businesses. This is against the progress made in women’s rights and opportunities, a robust legal frame work for affirmative action yet women entrepreneurs still face significant challenges in participating in […]

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 […]

Contractor asked to Refund 200,000MKW after 4 Years of Abandoning a Project he was contracted for!

Shortage of classrooms had always been a big problem at Linthipe Primary School in Salima District in Malawi. To address this problem, in 2015, parents mobilized themselves and engaged a contractor to undertake the construction works. Unfortunately, the contractor abandoned work before completion but after receiving payment. Following training by Africa Freedom of Information Centre(AFIC) […]

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 […]

AFIC welcomes new members from Ethiopia, DRC and Cameroon

The Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) has taken a significant step towards bolstering its efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance across the African continent. The organization has extended a warm welcome to three new members who have joined its ranks, namely the Public Information Noble, OPEN DRC, and Siege Social ADISI-Cameroun. This […]

Peaceful Elections in Digital Times

Africa Freedom of Information Centre, AFIC, organized a three-day workshop from the 11th to the 13th of July 2023 at Protea Hotel Skyz in Kampala funded by UNESCO. The training was based on UNESCO’s 2019 report on elections and media in digital times; which identified three global threats of significance for elections in today’s increasingly […]

Court Orders Nigeria’s Central Bank to Disclose Requested Information to Media Right Agenda, Pay Compensation for Wrongful Denial

In a major legal triumph for Media Rights Agenda (MRA), a Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, ruled on June 14, 2023 that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) must provide the organization with the information it requested in a letter dated May 22, 2020. The court also ordered the CBN to pay […]

MPs champion advocacy for Gender-Responsive Public Procurement

Members of Parliament have taken to the floor to call government’s attention to gender- responsive public procurement in Uganda. Hon. Shartsi Musherure, MP for Mawogola North in Sembabule championed the advocacy and passionately asked the Minister of Finance to share with Parliament why the regulations for reservation for special groups in public procurement are not in […]

AFIC and Media unite to advocate for Gender-responsive public procurement in Uganda

In a bid to promote gender responsive public Procurement in Uganda, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) hosted a media roundtable discussion on June 30th, 2023, at the Golf Course Hotel in Kampala. This engaging event brought together journalists, editors, reporters, and social media influencers to shed light on the barriers faced by women-led […]

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AFIC in Kenya: Media Vows to Report Cases of Injustice Surrounding the Access to Government Procurement Oportunities (AGPO)

The journalists in Kenya have vowed to expose all cases of misery, citizens face during their attempt to participate in the Access Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO). This followed a media round table discussion organized by Africa Freedom of Information Centre in collaboration with AFIC partners in Kenya, The Institute of Social Accountability (TISA) that […]

AFIC in Kenya: Women-led Businesses Not Getting Enough Budget Allocation

Despite an increase in the number of women doing business with the government in Kenya, the amount allocated to them under the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) remains low. AGPO is an affirmative action law that requires public entities to apportion at least 30% of procurement budget to businesses owned by women, youth and […]

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AFIC in Tanzania: PPRA announces plans to amend the Law to include Special Interest Groups

The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) has announced plans to amend the law to include special interest groups in public procurement. This announcement was made by Mr. Masunya Nashon, the Manager of Research and Documents during a stakeholder engagement organised by AFIC in collaboration with The Chazo Initiative, at PPRA offices, Dodoma, Tanzania on 15th […]

Africa Freedom of Information Centre Engages in Successful Advocacy Activities in Ethiopia

Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) recently concluded a series of successful engagements with state actors in Ethiopia as part of its advocacy activities. The focus of these activities was to promote gender-responsive public procurement and address the barriers faced by women-led businesses in accessing public procurement contracts in East Africa. The research study conducted […]

AFIC in Ethiopia: Media Round Table Discussion Sparks Commitment to Amplify Women-Led Businesses in Procurement

During a visit to Ethiopia from May 22nd to 26th, 2023, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) embarked on a collaborative journey with its country partner, KAL Law Office, and partnered with the Inspired Ethiopian Youth Association (IEYA) to advance the cause of promoting gender-responsive public procurement. As part of its activities, AFIC organized […]

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AFIC in Ethiopia: Joint Committee Established to Address Barriers Faced by Women-Led Businesses in Accessing Public Procurement Contracts

In a significant step towards promoting gender equality and inclusivity in public procurement, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) conducted advocacy activities in Ethiopia from 22nd to 26th May. The engagements that aimed to address the barriers faced by women-led businesses in accessing public procurement contracts in East Africa. One of the major activities […]

We are Hiring: Resource person to develop an Impact video documentary

Africa Freedom of Information Centre is seeking to engage experienced and highly skilled resource persons to develop high end impact documentaries in project countries; Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Rwanda. The resource person to undertake the task is required to be a local resident for that country. Background Under its intervention, for inclusion of Women-Led […]

Uganda: Less than 1% of women-led businesses are contracted by government

While Uganda has made progressive laws and policies, including increasing women’s participation in public procurement; a done by Africa Freedom of Information (AFIC) in partnership with Open Contracting Partnership and The Institute for Social Accountability in Uganda, reveals that lack of effective implementation undermines otherwise good policy intentions. The study which aimed to identify barriers, […]

Inclusive Public Procurement: Empowering Women-Led Businesses in Tanzania

Public procurement plays a vital role in economic growth and development, as it provides opportunities for businesses to supply goods and services to the government. In Tanzania, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) in partnership with The Chanzo conducted a research study to understand the barriers and solutions to include women-led businesses in public […]

AFIC Calls for Diversity and Inclusiveness in Public Procurement at East African Business Expo

Africa Freedom of Information Centre(AFIC) had an opportunity to participate in the East African Business Expo from 4th to 7th May at UMA Grounds, Kampala, Uganda. The East African Business Expo is an annual event that brings together businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors from East Africa and beyond. The event provides a platform for businesses to […]

Women in Business Grow Study Launched in Kenya

TISA in collaboration with Women in Business (WIB) have launched women in business GROW Study at a women convening on 30th March 2023 at The Golden Tulip Hotel-Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya. The meeting objective was to reflect on the significance of affirmative action in public procurement and propose solutions to the challenges facing women-led businesses in […]

AFIC Addresses United Nations Resident Coordinators on the Centrality of Access to Information in Respective Mandates

Public access to information is at the heart of the work of the United Nations System. Whether it is fighting poverty and corruption, promoting health and well being, education for boys and girls, gender equality, conflict prevention and management or climate justice, access to information is central Our Executive Director, Gilbert Sendugwa had an opportunity […]

Our New Report: Women Businesses left out in Government Procurement in East Africa

We are pleased to share our new report on the barriers and solutions to women’s participation in public procurement in Eastern Africa produced by Africa Freedom of Information Centre with our partners, The Open Contracting Partnership and The Institute for Social Accountability. Gender inequality is a major challenge that concerns everyone, however, without tackling its […]

Report findings: Tanzania’s public procurement scheme lacks implementation

A recent regional study by the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) indicates that Tanzania’s public procurement scheme, introduced seven years ago, has yet to be implemented successfully, raising questions about the success of its intended objectives. As AFIC continues to work around transparency and accountability issues in Africa, conducted a study in five countries of East […]

Trained Community Monitors Drive Transparency and Accountability in Health Service Delivery in Uganda

Challenge: Due to corruption and inefficiency in the execution of government contracts and services, many Ugandan communities have long struggled to exercise their fundamental human right to adequate healthcare. Despite commendable efforts by the government and other organizations to combat this vice in the sector, significant obstacles remain. This was the case at Lapeta Heath […]

How Disclosure and transparency in procurement affects Health and Education service delivery

A study by Africa Freedom of Information Centre conducted in 2022, in the five countries of Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, Ghana, and Nigeria reveals a direct association between disclosure, contract supplies, and service delivery. The study based on selected indicators drawn in subject categories focused on disclosure and transparency, competition, inclusiveness, efficiency, fraud, collusion, and value for money. The […]

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Transparency and Accountability: AFIC engages officials in Gulu on performance of public contracts

On April 26th, 2023, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre held an engagement meeting with district officials, municipal councils, and stakeholders in Gulu district at the Dove hotel in Gulu city. The purpose of the conference was to examine the results of data analysis on procurement processes and how to improve service delivery and value […]

Changing Lives: Citizen Engagement in Mbale District helps School and Community Access Clean Water

Water is a basic prerequisite for schools to function properly. It is impossible to maintain basic hygiene standards in the absence of water, which can lead to the development of diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid. Furthermore, a lack of access to water can lead to absenteeism, especially among young girls who may have […]

Training on Gender and Conflict Sensitize Reporting post-2022 Elections in Uganda

The electoral processes in Africa have largely been characterized by lack of transparency and accountability with citizens not being informed on key issues such as the appointment of members of election management bodies, registration of voters, nomination of candidates and conduct of campaigns, polling dates and candidates, funding for political parties and candidates, polling, counting, […]

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The Hurdles to Women’s Participation in Public Procurement in Uganda: What Solutions Have Been Proposed?

Public procurement is a critical part of the economy, and all members of society must have access to opportunities in this sector. However, women in Uganda suffer many barriers to engaging in public procurement. The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act, 2003 governs the public procurement process in Uganda. The public procurement process […]

Study Findings: Why don’t Women-Led Businesses participate in public procurement?

Government procurement is the biggest public market in the world. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries spend an average of 12% of annual GDP procuring goods, works, and services while Low and Middle-Income countries spend an even greater proportion on such purchasing. Government procurement should be a game-changer in tackling labor […]

AFIC Welcomes the New Governing Council

On 27th January 2022, 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 27th January 2022. The new Governing Council is comprised of […]

Make Procurements of Digital Technology Systems Transparent and Competitive

Op-Ed In June 2021 the president of Uganda gave a directive to install digital motoring systems in all motorcycles and vehicles as means to crack down on rising insecurity in the country. However, reports indicate that Joint Stock Company Global Security that was awarded the 10-year contract to install digital monitoring system is facing bankruptcy […]

Open Tender: A data-driven approach to risk detection and early warning in public procurement

Corruption is the silent destruction of a nation! In countries worldwide, it has been shown that when there’s corruption in politics and economics, many people suffer. Corrupt governments stifle economic growth by diverting resources away from programs that benefit society as a whole; this means less access to education, healthcare, and other essential social services […]

Local Government Transparency and Accountability: How Mbale District Local Government is making people feel involved in the growth and development of the district.

The Government of Uganda has decentralized the power to develop the nation’s resources to the district level under the principles of responsive and open local government. This has enhanced transparency, accountability, and citizen participation. Districts are expected to use the resources in the district to improve the lives of people. A district is the smallest […]

Citizen Engagement in Local Government Projects: How Citizens Can Fight Corruption in Local Government Projects.

The quality of citizen feedback has a significant role in determining the quality of integrity in public procurement. Under the Hewlett Foundation-funded project, From Disclosure to Impact: Deepening and Broadening Open Contracting in Africa, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) works to ensure quality citizen feedback by deepening and broadening their timely access to […]

What does the public know about transparency and safeguards in the procurement & deployment of Digital Technology Systems in Africa?

Press Release AFIC released its research report “Sunlight in Digital Technologies”. This report analyzes data gathered through triangulation from varied secondary and primary sources, using an exploratory research design combining a scoping review of grey and published literature with key informant interviews and a survey in Uganda, Liberia, and Nigeria to assess what the public knows about […]

Who Wins in a Low Transparency, High Corruption Environment?

Some government operations rely heavily on digital technology, which includes software, hardware, and services. Technology is used to generate revenue, deliver services, and engage citizens. Digital technology facilitates the delivery of public services, creates efficiencies, encourages citizen participation, and improves communications for local governments. “Digital Technology Systems are increasingly being embraced by governments in […]

Countering threats of violence and crimes against journalists to protect freedom of expression for all: Commemorating the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists 2021

A global network of major news organizations, press freedom organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), activists, and journalists is working together to safeguard everyone’s right to free expression. However, journalists’ capacity to conduct their work is being harmed by violence, intimidation, harassment, and censorship. Vigils are being organized to honor journalists who have been slain in the […]

Essay Competition on the Role of Youth in Promoting Access to Information in Africa

The IDUAI 2021 Continental Youth Essay Competition is intended to facilitate youth awareness and participation of young people between the ages of 18 and 35 years in the adoption and implementation of the Access to Information Laws in Eastern Africa. As part of the 2021 IDUAI celebrations, the Essay competition will harness the creativity and […]

3rd Regional Meeting for Sub-Saharan Africa Discusses Experiences in Facilitating Access to Information from Uganda, Nigeria and Rwanda

What are effective ways civil society can advance access to information at the national level? What are the obstacles to effective access to information? These questions were at the center of the third regional meeting on access to information for the Sub-Saharan Africa region, attended by 15 civil society representatives from across the continent. As […]

“Right to Know-Building Back Better with Access to Information”: AFIC and Partners Commemorate IDUAI 2021

Over 200 participants representing Inter-Governmental organizations, Government, Private Sector, Civil Society Organisations, the Media, and the UN system gathered online and in person at the Kampala Serena Hotel, Uganda, for a public dialogue to commemorate the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) 2021. The event was, organized by the Africa Freedom of Information […]

UNESCO and Partners Mark IDUAI 2021 with a Call to Strengthen Regional Legislation on Access to Information

UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa and its partners, joined the rest of the world to commemorate 28th September, the 2021 International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) under the theme, The Right to Know: Building Back Better with Access to Information.” The regional dialogue, which was attended by participants from Eastern Africa and […]

Namibia: Access to Information Bill Resubmitted

The Access to Information Bill has been reintroduced in the National Assembly (NA) for discussion, following its initial tabling early last year. Although the bill was submitted to parliament last year, parliamentarians did not discuss it because of COVID-19 lockdowns restricting parliamentary sessions. The access to information bill aims to promote the public’s free access […]

Concern Rises on Exorbitant Fees to Access Public Information in Uganda.

Organizations promoting access to information and journalists have asked government to prevail over Public offices charging exorbitantly for access of information in Public interest. The Access to information Act provides that information should be mandatorily disclosed in Public interest at no fee. Although the act also provides for fees for the information duplication for instance […]

Public Access to Information Should Be Free for All.

Whereas public support for freedom of expression is strong and growing, a large majority of citizens still hold the view that government should only be able to restrict access to information when that information is vital to national security but it should not use it as a cover for wrongdoing and fear of its officials […]

Media lauds AFIC, TWAWEZA for Driving the Access To Information Agenda in East Africa.

As East Africa prepares to join the rest of the world to commemorate 28th September 2021, the 2nd International Day for Universal Access to Information [IDUAI 2021], the media fraternity commended Twaweza East Africa and Africa Freedom for information Centre [AFIC] which are spearheading this campaign for coming out strongly in pushing government to implement […]

Uganda Human Rights Commission calls for free internet access.

Kampala, Uganda The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has called for the establishment of free internet access facilities in all districts of Uganda. The call comes as Uganda prepares to join the world to commemorate the International Day for Universal Access to Information on September 28, under the theme: The Right to Know: Building Back Better […]

AFIC Urges Uganda Government to Relax Restrictions on Access to Information as a Public Good

AFIC has reminded government that an informed public shall always make informed decisions that subsequently leads to economic development of that country and that a society which is deprived of vital information will always remain backward. Mr. Gilbert Sendugwa made these remarks yesterday during the launching ceremony for the national campaign to commemorate the International […]

AFIC and Partners Launch a Campaign to Commemorate the International Day For Universal Access to Information 2021.

Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) and partners- the Office of United Nations High Commissioner, UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, the African Union Commission, the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and Twaweza East Africa have today, the 14th of September 2021 launched The Right to Know campaign in commemoration of the International Day […]

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