News - Africa Freedom of Information Centre

Commemorating IDUAI 2021: Building Back Better with Access to Information

The International Day of Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) will be commemorated on the 28th of September 2021. IDUAI is an opportunity to highlight the importance of expanding access to information laws and their implementation worldwide, in order to build back strong institutions for sustainable development and uphold the vision of information as a public […]

Why public Access to Information also matters for Public Officials

”Over the past ten years of my work on access to information- campaigning for adoption of access to information laws, training public officials, civil society organisations and journalists and researching- I have learnt that public access to information is as important for public officials as it is for ordinary citizens in various ways.” First, it […]

UNESCO and partners re-affirm commitment to promote Access to Information and Fundamental Freedoms in Eastern Africa.

August 23, 2021 Kampala, Uganda Over 100 participants from Eastern Africa and beyond representing line Ministries, Parastatals, Agencies, Parliament, Private Sector, Civil society Organizations, Media, and the UN system have re-affirmed their commitment to promote access to information and protection of fundamental freedoms in Eastern Africa. The commitment was made during a three-day online training […]

Gambia becomes the latest addition to the African Union Member States with the Access to Information Act.

Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) joins the rest of the world to congratulate the Gambia upon getting new Access to Information Act which was accented to by President Adama Barrow, after the National Assembly passed the Bill on 1st July, this year. The signing of ATI Bill 2021 into law makes it the first […]

It is time for the 5 Eastern African countries to pass access to information laws and implement them.

The human rights activists from Eastern Africa call on the member states without specific laws on Access to information to adopt immediately these to speed up the sustainable development of these countries through the culture of building strong transparency and accountability in the African continent. They made this call this week during a workshop organized […]

Building Knowledge Societies to ensure public Access to Information & protect Fundamental Freedoms in Eastern Africa

17-19 August 2021 One hundred forty-nine participants representing line Ministries, Parastatals, Agencies, Parliament, Private Sector, Civil Society Organisations, the Media and the UN system gathered online for a workshop to train stakeholders from across Eastern Africa on the Promotion of Knowledge Society Policy in National Information Policies in Eastern Africa organized by Africa Freedom of […]

Local firms getting less from supplying Digital Technology Systems

The study by the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) attributed this finding to lack of technical expertise and small financial muscle to supply the systems. The study investigated the procurement and deployment of (DTS) in Liberia, Uganda and Nigeria. The main DTSs Uganda has invested in include biometric machines, biometric voter verification kits, CCTV […]

What are African governments using Digital Technology Systems for?

African governments are embracing the procurement of digital technology systems and the opportunities they present. The digital technology systems most African governments are adopting have the potential to transform governance and public services. Digital systems can increase access to government services, improve the quality of service, and save government money. Digital technologies also provide governments […]

Less than 1% of the value of public contracts for Digital Technology Systems is disclosed; a case of Uganda, Liberia and Nigeria.

To support citizens’ right to information (right to know) concerning the procurement and governance of DTS, AFIC in partnership with CEMESP and PPDC, with support from the Omidyar Network conducted a pilot study on “Government Procurement of Digital Technology Systems (DTSs) in Africa”. This study attempted to understand the proportion of DTS public sector contracts […]

Is the procurement of digital technology systems transparent? A case of Uganda, Liberia and Nigeria.

This article is part of a pilot study which investigated the procurement and deployment of Digital Technology Systems in Liberia, Uganda and Nigeria, conducted by Africa Freedom of Information Centre in partnership with CEMESP and PPDC with support from Omidyar Network. Digital technology systems are increasingly being used by most Governments in Africa, as well […]

Russia: Letter in solidarity with Ivan Pavlov

Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) is pleased to join over 90 other organisations and individuals in endorsing a letter in solidarity with Ivan Pavlov, a Russian human rights activist and lawyer who has been criminally charged with disclosing data of a preliminary investigation which has been declared secret. The likely reason for these charges […]

AFEX Calls on African Governments to Ensure Safety of Journalists, Respect Digital Rights.

The Eighth General Meeting of the African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX), a network of African freedom of expression and media development organisations which are members of the global press freedom advocacy network, IFEX, was held in Accra, Ghana, from 25 to 26 June 2021. The meeting forms part of the major events of the […]

Concerns of freedom of expression violations in Eswatini

In the last few weeks, countless protests against police brutality, corruption and for democratic reforms have spread throughout Eswatini. After the mysterious murder of a young student, Thabani Nkomonye at the hands of police, many took to the streets, calling for justice and investigations into the incident. These protests grew into social protests across the […]

Enhancing Performance and Accountability in Public Procurement in Uganda: Lessons learned.

The Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) implemented a GPSA funded project, ‘Enhancing Performance and Accountability of Social Service Contracts in Uganda’ ” to enhance to enhance transparency and accountability of public contracting in the agriculture, education and health sectors through support to meaningful engagement between civil society and government. The project also sought to […]

Digital rights featured prominently at African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights 68th session

Digital rights featured prominently at the 68th session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), held virtually from 14 April to 4 May 2021. The session also provided a platform to take stock of the general state of the human rights situation on the continent and brought together, for frank and constructive exchange, various […]

Access denied – Freedom of information in Africa falls short of public expectations

The African Platform on Access to Information (2011), adopted a decade ago by a group of leading African media and information stakeholders, recognizes access to information as a fundamental human right. Since endorsed by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (2019) and the Pan-African Parliament (2013), the platform stipulates that “information held by […]

Who should control what gets shared over social media

Recent decisions on regarding one of social media’s well-known users, former US President Donald Trump, have ignited a broad, global debate on Big Tech’s role in controlling content. With the public space having moved online- it’s where we live, learn, work and protest- there’s a lot at stake with content moderation. IFEX reached out to […]

Strengthening Integrity and Accountability in Public Procurement

In an increasingly competitive and unstable global environment, procurement strategies and project management practices are undergoing continuous changes. These changes result in a reduction in efficiency, increase in costs and risk exposure; the need for public integrity in public procurement. While at the recently concluded 13th East Africa Procurement Forum in Kigali, Rwanda which was […]

Russia: Letter in solidarity with Ivan Pavlov

Twaweza-Uganda, AFIC and the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance officially launch the Access to Information Guide for civil servants in Uganda.

Twaweza Uganda and Africa Freedom of Information Centre, in partnership with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance have today the 6th of May 2021, officially launched the Access to Information Guide for Civil Servants. The Minister for State for ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Peter Ogwal, officiated this. In 2005, Uganda enacted the Access […]

Why women participation in public procurement should matter in Malawi.

Annually, African governments spend over 60% of national budget through public contracting while over 70% of Malawi Governments’ annual budget is spent through public procurement (Hivos report). Women-owned enterprises win less than 1% of contracts. However, over the last decade, governments and multilateral development organizations have increased programs that promote gender equality. The Organization for […]

Towards gender balance: Understanding the barriers and solutions to include women-led businesses in East Africa.

The World Bank (2020) estimates that public procurement accounts for between 13-20% of global GPD every year, amounting to a staggering USD 9.5 trillion . Public procurement thus represents an unprecedented opportunity to boost local economies and drive development and growth. Unlocking this potential, however, is critically dependent on robust mechanisms that hold governments accountable […]

A call for the media in Zambia to intensify public education as the election season peaks

As we countdown to 12th August 2021 when Zambia will hold general elections to elect the Republican President, Members of Parliament, Councilors, Council Chairperson and Mayors, the media must intensify its public education efforts to inform and influence citizens participation in the electoral process. The preamble of the Constitution of Zambia contains, among other provisions, […]

Strengthening the Performance of Public Contracts at Local Government Level

In August 2019, Africa Freedom of Information Centre conducted a contracts monitoring of selected districts for FY2018/19, and it was observed that strengthening the performance of public contracts at local government in Uganda will be an important factor for ensuring that both the government and its constituents, the citizens’ participation, achieve the full benefits of […]

PSAf calls for abolition of restrictive media laws.

PANOS Institute Southern Africa (PSAf) has called for the reformation or abolition of restrictive laws that are limiting citizens’ use of the media and other platforms to seek, share and receive information as a public good in a manner that will enable them to participate in and contribute to the attainment of the development agendas. […]

Safety of Journalists is Imperative for Credibility of Elections.

Gambia Press Union Statement on World Press Freedom Day 3rd May 2021 This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration, which was developed by African journalists pressing for a free, independent, and pluralistic African press. This is the declaration that gave birth to the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day in 1991. The […]

Zoe Titus: A formidable force working behind the scenes

If you rely solely on digital footprints, you might not be aware of Zoe Titus’s extensive contribution to the media rights landscape on the African continent over two decades. For Titus, her work has always been about getting the work done, often behind the scenes “Never, never undermine the importance of people who do not […]

Panos Institute Southern Africa calls for actualization of access to information laws in Southern Africa

Lusaka, Zambia 30 April 2021. Panos Institute Southern Africa (PSAf) urges governments in the region to put in place the necessary legal and policy interventions to actualize the realization of press freedom in their countries, to allow the media to effectively play its role of facilitating the use of information as a public good. Ahead […]

Freedom of expression and the media are essential for development.

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION DURING THE WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY CONFERENCE IN SOUTH SUDAN Hon Michael Makuei Lueth, Minister of Information, Communication, Technology and Postal Services; Hon. Paulino Lokudu, Minister of Information , Central Equatoria Your Excellency Larry E Andre, Jr USA Ambassador to South Sudan Your Excellency Jonny Baxter, British Ambassador to South Sudan Mr. […]

Information as a Public Good: 30 years after the Windhoek Declaration.

Every 3rd May, the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) is commemorated worldwide, to strengthen the call for media freedom and to uphold the commitment to a free press as an absolute cornerstone of democratic society. This year’s theme, Information as a Public Good, is a strong call to reaffirm the value of preserving information as […]

Reinforcing the Transparency of Online Platforms, an Essential Pillar for Information to Remain a Public Good

The recent developments highlighting the need for greater online platform transparency have prompted many businesses to consider implementing this measure into their respective structures. However, one must remember that without appropriate measures to ensure the same, such measures may do more harm than good. For instance, by implementing strict measures against fake profiles on social […]

AFIC Annual General Assembly endorses the new 5 year Strategic Plan 2021-2025

PRESS STATEMENT ON AFIC’S 2021 – 2025 STRATEGIC PLAN 24TH MARCH 2021 The Governing Council and Members of the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) are today 24th March 2021 pleased to launch our new strategic plan themed, “Access to Information: The Bridge to Sustainable Development”. The strategic plan is informed by collective lessons from […]

Why Access to Information in Africa Matters?

25 African countries have adopted Access to Information (ATI) laws while 30 are yet to do so. Through multiple treaties, the African Union recognizes the right of ATI by every individual, as a human and peoples’ right, and also as a tool for the promotion of democracy, anticorruption, and public participation. Africa Freedom of Information […]

Overcoming Women’s Barriers to Participating in Entrepreneurship and Public Procurement in Africa

Ruth Namara ,Bo Rosenfelt Clausen and Gilbert Sendugwa| 17th February 2021 Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) was a grant awardee in the latest round of research under the Feminist Open Government Initiative, a program led by Results for Development (R4D) and the Open Government Partnership (OGP) with support from Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) that seeks to increase gender perspectives in […]

“A lot has been achieved, but yet, a lot needs to be done.” CoST Uganda launches the 4th Assurance Report.

Remarks from the Senior Regional Manager, Africa Dear Stakeholders, Colleagues and Friends of CoST – the Infrastructure Transparency Initiative I am very happy to see you all here and to welcome you to the launch of the CoST Uganda’s 4th Assurance Report. CoST Uganda is among the 6 CoST members from Africa, (Uganda, Tanzania, […]

Participation of Nebbi District Local Government in contract monitoring enhances value for money at Atego Seed School.

AFIC conducted the second contracts monitoring process follows the first one that accessed contracts in Kabale, Kanungu, Ntungamo, Mbarara, Pakwach, and Nebbi districts for the FY 2018/19. The process was aimed at assessing the implementation of the recommendations and commitments made by the stakeholders of various PDEs from the first contract monitoring exercise; determining the […]

Does access to manifesto information influence voters’ decisions?

Access to information empowers the electorate to be well informed about political processes with due regard to their best interests: to elect political office holders; to participate in decision-making processes on the implementation of laws and policies; and to hold public officials accountable for their acts or omissions in the execution of their duties. Access […]

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 […]

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