By Hason Mutunzi Bwambale
In recent years, Uganda has made significant strides towards promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance through the establishment and implementation of the Access to Information Act.
This legislation has provided citizens with the right to access information held by the government and public institutions, fostering civic participation and driving positive change in the country.
The Access to Information Act, enacted in 2005, guarantees Ugandan citizens the fundamental right to access official information held by public bodies. This legislation recognizes the crucial role of transparency in a functioning democracy, empowering citizens to hold public officials accountable and contributing to the overall development of the nation.
One of the critical provisions of the Act is the obligation it places on public bodies to proactively disclose certain categories of information to the public. Rather than waiting for specific requests, this proactive disclosure ensures that key information is readily available to citizens.
Arthor: Hason Mutunzi Bwambale
By making processes, policies, and expenditure details accessible, the government promotes openness, reduces corruption, and builds trust with its citizens. The legislation also establishes a mechanism for citizens to request information from public bodies. Individuals can provide written requests, specifying the desired information and reasons for its disclosure.
The Act mandates public bodies to respond promptly to these requests, strengthening the foundation of participatory governance and giving citizens the tools to actively engage in decision-making processes. Enhancing Accountability and Curbing Corruption Access to information plays a crucial role in fostering accountability in public administration.
By empowering citizens to scrutinize government actions, expenditures, and decision-making processes, the Act acts as a safeguard against corruption. The transparency it provides allows citizens to act as watchdogs, identifying irregularities, and reporting malfeasance. This increased oversight discourages corrupt practices and ultimately contributes to the development of a more accountable and responsible government.
With access to information, citizens are better equipped to make informed decisions and actively participate in democratic processes. The Act empowers Ugandans to analyze government policies, understand the implications of legislative proposals, and contribute to relevant public debates. Informed citizenry strengthens democracy by ensuring that policies and decisions align with the public interest. While the Access to Information Act has transformed Uganda’s governance landscape, several challenges remain. Awareness among citizens about their rights and available channels for information requests needs to be increased. Public officials also require training to effectively manage and disclose information in a timely manner.
Additionally, further efforts are needed to embrace digital platforms for information dissemination and to establish efficient online request systems.
Uganda’s Access to Information Act has been a game-changer, empowering citizens, promoting accountability, and strengthening democracy. By recognizing the fundamental right of citizens to access information, Uganda has taken a significant step towards transparent and accountable governance. Efforts to overcome challenges and leverage emerging technologies will further enhance the Act’s impact and position Uganda as a role model for democratic participation and good governance across the continent.
The commitment to promoting access to information is vital for building a prosperous and inclusive society. The writer is a crusader and activist for Access to Information. He has been working closely with AFIC and Twaweza Uganda in promoting Access to Information in Uganda.
The writer is head of communications in the office of the state minister of Information and National Guidance