Uganda Celebrates International Day for Universal Access to Information, urging the government to prioritise citizen engagement

On September 26, 2024, Uganda marked the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) at Makerere University, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss why access to information is crucial in promoting transparency, accountability and meaningful citizen engagement in Uganda. The event, organised by the African Freedom of Information Center and Twaweza in partnership with the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, Uganda Human Rights Commission and Makerere University Department of Journalism and Communication, highlighted the pressing need to prioritise citizen participation and build trust. 

This year’s celebration theme, “Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in the Public Sector, ” emphasised the role of public institutions in ensuring that information is readily accessible. In the public sector, transparency is essential for fostering trust between the government and its institutions.

During the event, representatives from the Africa Freedom of Information Center and Twaweza urged the government to take concrete steps to enhance citizen engagement. According to Sauti za Wananchi, a significant majority of citizens are already participating in community meetings, with three out of four (73%) reporting that they attended at least one meeting in the past year. This trend holds across nearly all demographic groups, indicating a solid foundation for greater civic involvement.

However, the speakers emphasised that while participation rates are encouraging, there is still room for improvement. They highlighted the need for the government to create more effective communication channels and ensure that citizens are informed about meetings and empowered to engage meaningfully in discussions. By fostering an environment where citizen voices are heard and valued, the government can enhance transparency and accountability in governance.

The calls for increased engagement reflect a recognition of the potential impact that informed and active citizens can have on decision-making processes, ultimately contributing to transparency and accountability. 

Speaking at the celebrations, Mr Gilbert Sendugwa, Executive Director at AFIC, underscored the need for government institutions to create systems that promote proactive disclosure and timely response to information requests, reduce unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, and actively promote awareness of the public’s rights to information.

The event concluded with recommendations to foster a culture of transparency and accountability in Uganda. Among these, the Minister of Information pledged to enhance their engagement with citizens by launching a program on UBC TV in which different Ministers will appear to speak to the citizens about what the different ministries are doing in service delivery. 

While the civil society organisations urged the government to mainstream Access to Information in the public sector by; 

• We are investing in training public servants on the importance of information transparency.
• Eliminate delays in processing information requests.
• Engage in public education campaigns to raise awareness about citizens’ rights to information.
• Amend the Access to Information Act to confirm with the AU Modal Law and ATI.

The chief guest, Hon. Chris Balyomunsi, Minister of Information, Communication Technology, and National Guidance, commended CSOs for their partnership in promoting access to information with citizens and the Government. He encouraged Twaweza and the Africa Freedom of Information Center to work closely with the ministry to implement amendments to sections in the Access to Information Act of 2005.