Commemorating International Day for Universal Access to Information in Uganda 2024
Kampala, Uganda 25 September, 2024– To mark the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI), the Ministry of ICT&NG, Makerere University’s Department of Journalism and Communications, Ugandan Human Rights Commission, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC), and Twaweza Uganda will host a series of significant events aimed at promoting transparency and public sector participation. This year’s IDUAI theme is “Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in the Public Sector.”
In alignment with the international commemoration taking place on October 2nd in Accra, Ghana, the coalition of stakeholders are collaborating to observe this crucial day with a focus on increasing access to information and enhancing public sector engagement.
The Ministry of ICT & NG, Africa Freedom of Information Centre and Twaweza East Africa have played an instrumental role in this journey. Together we have created awareness on ATI, built portals such as Ask your Gov portal, built capacity of more than 400 public officials, more than 600 citizens champions and community groups, all aimed at ensuring that information is not just a privilege for the few, but a right for all.
“As we gather to commemorate the International Day for Universal Access to Information, under the theme ‘’ Mainstreaming Access to Information and participation in the public sector’’ we not only celebrating the progress we have made as a nation but also taking a step back to understand the critical role that information plays in the development and transformation of our society.” Said Hon. Geoffrey Kabbyanga Baluku, the state minister for National Guidance
He added that, “while we celebrate our achievements, it is essential to note that the journey is ongoing and we should celebrate the significant strides made in promoting access to information and the public sector participation.” As we approach the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI), Uganda celebrates significant strides made in promoting access to information and public sector participation. Uganda is among the many countries in the world that has enacted the Access to Information Act and its enabling regulations, while the Government of Uganda and civil society organizations have taken
measures to promote the right of access to information through a number of programmes and initiatives such as:
- The establishment of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance (MoICT&NG) with a mandate to coordinate policy development and implementation regarding citizens access to information
- Development of the Access to Information Programme 2008-2013
- Appointment of Information Officers
- Development of Government Communication Strategy to establish an effective, well-coordinated and proactive communication system across Government and with the public that will meet the nation’s information needs.
- Provision of Public Education Airtime on radio stations in every district across the country to sensitize the public on service delivery and development issues.
- The establishment of the Government Citizens Interaction Centre (GCIC) to enhance the monitoring of service delivery and provide a channel for feedback and suggestions from citizens.
- The Digital transformation roadmap.
Uganda Human Rights Commission
In 1946, The UN General Assembly under its Resolution 59 proclaimed that “Freedom of information is a Fundamental human right and the touchstone of all the freedoms to which the United Nations is consecrated.” This affirmation emphasizes interconnectedness of the right of access to information to all other rights and fundamental freedoms. Similarly, Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), 1948 provides that “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”
Under Article 52 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, the Uganda Human Rights Commission, as a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) has a mandate to monitor government compliance with International Treaties and Conventions it has ratified. So, organizing commemorations such as this one is one of the various ways during which we monitor and assess the progress. It is also from such commemorations as the one we are having tomorrow that we get an opportunity to come to the round table with partners in the protection and promotion of human rights to assess progress made in the past year and lay strategies on how to overcome any challenges. This year’s Commemoration is timely as we edge closer to another election cycle. As a commission, we have already carried out a number of interventions and made recommendations in our current 26th Annual Report on the State of Human Rights in the country, whose implementation we are still following up. We specifically noted delays in honoring information requests from members of the general public, limitations on Internet services/access, gaps in employment of information officers, online gender-based violence as some of the change affecting the realization of this freedom.
AFIC
The Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) is a key partner in Uganda’s commitment to promoting access to information, transparency, and civic participation. As a leading advocate for the right to information across the African continent, AFIC firmly believes that access to information is a fundamental human right that enhances democracy and accountability. The organization commends Uganda’s ongoing efforts to implement the Access to Information Act and applauds the progress made in capacity building for public officials and community champions.
“Access to information is not just a matter of policy; it is essential for citizen empowerment and participatory governance,” said Mr. Gilbert Sendugwa, Executive Director of AFIC. “We view the IDUAI celebrations as a crucial opportunity to reflect on the strides made in Uganda while also recognizing the challenges that remain. It is imperative that we continue to advocate for a robust legal framework that enhances transparency and accountability, ensuring that information flows freely to all citizens.”
AFIC is dedicated to continuing collaboration with governments, civil society, and citizens to foster an environment where access to information is prioritized, thereby ensuring that everyone can participate fully in democratic processes.
About the Organizers:
- Ugandan Human Rights Commission: The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) was established under the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda to protect and promote fundamental human rights and freedoms in the Country. The Commission has its mandate spelled out under Article 52 and powers under Article 53 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda.
- Ministry of ICT and National Guidance: The Ministry of Information and Communications Technology and National Guidance was established in June 2006 with a mandate of providing strategic and technical leadership, overall coordination, support and advocacy on all matters of policy, laws, regulations and strategy for the ICT sector.
- Makerere University Department of Journalism and Communications: Provides education and research in journalism and communications.
- Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC): Advocates for freedom of information, transparency and accountability across Africa.
- Twaweza Uganda: Twaweza means “we can make it happen” in Swahili. Twaweza works on enabling citizens to exercise agency and governments to be more open and responsive in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.
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