AFIC ADMIN - Africa Freedom of Information Centre

Contracts Monitoring: Paving the Way for an Empowered Ghanaian citizenry-GACC

Introduction An informed citizenry is a pivotal force in shaping a nation’s developmental trajectory. Underthe Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2019 (Act 989) of Ghana, every citizen is empowered torequest information held by public and certain private institutions performing public functions.Furthermore, the RTI law, a critical anti-corruption tool, aims to enhance transparency withinpublic administration. Simultaneously, […]

Fighting corruption for Universal Health Care in Ghana, Malawi and Uganda

Corruption within healthcare systems is a formidable barrier to achieving universal healthcoverage. Recent studies have highlighted the detrimental impact of medicine theft on healthfacilities in Ghana, Malawi, and Uganda, contributing to stock outs and compromised patientcare. Recognizing the urgent need for action, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre(AFIC) is partnering with Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) […]

Uganda takes major Step towards Gender Inclusive Public Procurement

On March 22, 2024, the Government of Uganda took a major policy step to enhance women’seconomic empowerment. Uganda joined only Kenya and Tanzania by launching guidelines on the reservation scheme for public contracts for women, youth and persons with disabilities. The Guidelines seek to operationalize Section 59B of the amended Public Procurement and Disposal of […]

Access to information: Why a priority 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. Importance First, […]

AFIC- GROW Project Impact On Women Inclusion In Public Procurement

The collaboration between the AFIC and TISA through Growth and Economic Opportunities for Women (GROW) under the project “Fostering Gender-Responsive Public Procurement: Understanding the Barriers and Solutions to Include Women-Led Businesses in Public Procurement in East Africa” continues to play a pivotal role in influencing policy changes at both the national and county government levels […]

PPDA issues regulations for the reservation scheme for special interest groups

Research study by Africa Freedom of Information centre found that only 1% of women-led businesses participate in public procurement in Uganda. On Thursday, 25th January, The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) launched the PDDA Regulations 2023, marking a crucial stride toward streamlining the public procurement sector. Benson Turamye, the Executive Director […]

Complete Need For Disclosing Information On Infrastructure Projects In Uganda

Transparency has been conceived by different people and it’s believed to be detrimental of stakeholders’ participation in the infrastructure sector in Uganda. The essence of disclosing information on public infrastructure projects has been raising some eyebrows. Significantly, this is in breach of the Access to information Act which was enacted by government of Uganda in2005. […]

How AFIC is Building Transparency and Accountability Across Africa Society

Transparency and accountability are fundamental pillars of good governance. Transparency ensures that government processes, decisions, and data are open and accessible to the public, fostering trust and informed participation in the democratic process. Conversely, accountability guarantees that public officials are answerable for their actions, with mechanisms in place for oversight and redress when necessary. The […]

Why Access to Information Matters for Africa: Exploring the Challenges and Importance of ATI Implementation

Information access rights in Africa have a complex history rooted in colonial legacies and diverse cultural contexts. The limited progress in implementing these rights can be attributed to various challenges, including political resistance, inadequate infrastructure, and restrictive legislation. Post-colonial state formations have also hindered progress by perpetuating systems of censorship and control. […]

Why Access to Information is An Urgent Need in Africa

Access to Information is An Urgent Need in Africa From the national government to the county and regional rulings, the role of transparency cannot be overemphasized. It is the cornerstone for sustainable growth and inclusive development in every country. However, in regions where access to information is still a luxury, transparency only remains better on […]

How contracts monitoring impacts service delivery

Contracts monitoring in public procurement refers to the systematic and continuous oversight of contractual agreements entered into by government entities with suppliers, contractors, or service providers. Public procurement involves the acquisition of goods, services, or works by government agencies, and contracts monitoring is a critical aspect of ensuring that the procurement process is transparent, fair, […]

LIFT PROJECT: Promoting economic and social inclusion in Uganda’s Public Procurement

LIFT PROJECT: Promoting economic and social inclusion in Uganda’s Public Procurement Open Contracting Lift is Open Contracting Partnership’s impact accelerator that helps teams of bold procurement reformers propel their ambitious plans toward systemic change. Through Lift, OCP has supported teams around the world to use public contracting to improve effective governance and support more equitable and green […]

UNESCO indicators unveil Gendered Realities of Journalists’ Safety in East Africa

The civic space is shrinking, according to the latest research findings by the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC). In particular, women journalists and media workers are faced with gender-based violence in the form of stigmatization, sexist hate speech, trolling, physical assault, rape, and even murder. These threats inflict massive harms on their well-being, work […]

From disclosure to impact: Deepening open contracting in Africa- Project Stories of Change in Malawi

With support from Hewlette foundation, Africa Freedom of Information Centre has worked to improve delivery of health and education services through promotion of disclosure, public participation, efficiency, value for money and competition in public contracting in Malawi, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria and Uganda. Tremendous impact has been made across the project countries. Stories of Change from Malawi […]

Towards gender responsive public procurement: Project outcomes

Government procurement is the biggest public market in the world, with many governments, including across Africa, spending roughly 15% of GDP on goods, works, and services every year. Given the huge sums of money involved, government procurement has the potential to play a game-changing role in tackling labour market segregation and employment gender gaps, which […]

Examining the gendered dimensions of Journalists safety based on Unesco’s JSI on IN Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda

Examining the gendered dimensions of Journalists safety based on Unesco’s JSI on IN Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda A 2021 UNESCO study across 125 countries highlighted the concerning issue of journalist safety, with 400 journalist killings in the past five years, including 37 women. The study also revealed that women journalists face significant challenges, as 1 […]

CoST Uganda: Bridging the gap-building the bridge

This article entitled “Bridging the Gaps, Building the Bridge” highlights that to achieve any development initiative, there must be a well-thought-out blueprint or roadmap that indicates the steps and stages of implementing a change strategy, access to information is key. Therefore, to enhance infrastructure transparency, data standards are adopted by different countries globally. Such data […]

Statement by HRNJ-Uganda on the International Day to End Crimes of Impunity against Journalists

The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists is a significant occasion that underscores the importance of press freedom, the safety of journalists, and the fight against impunity. This day, observed annually on November 2nd, serves as a global platform to raise awareness about the grave threats and challenges faced by journalists worldwide, […]

Prevent, protect and provide justice to end impunity for crimes against journalists-MISA

The Southern African region had in the past few years experienced an improvement in the media freedom environment. However, the last year has been characterised by democratic backsliding that has manifested in growing impunity for crimes against journalists and weaponization of the law against the media. The killing of the Lesotho broadcaster, Ralikonelo “Leqhashasha” Joki, […]

End impunity for crimes against journalists: MISA statement

Presentation by MISA Regional Director, Dr Tabani Moyo, at the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commission Panel Discussion on Legal Threats to Safety of Journalists in commemoration of International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. Date: 02 November 2023, Geneva, Switzerland. Weaponisation of the law The past few years have […]

Panos Institute Sourthern Africa; Amplifying local voices in advocacy for Access to Information law in Zambia

In the quest for a law that has eluded Zambia for more than two decades, resulting in many citizens losing interest, AFIC member Panos Institute Southern Africa has embarked on a robust campaign to mobilise citizens and facilitating their participation in the actualization of Access to Information in Zambia. Zambia previously attempted to enact an […]

Panos , ACHPR Special Rapporteur discuss Access to Information and other human rights in Zambia

The Executive Director of Panos Institute Southern Africa (PSAf), Mr. Vusumuzi Sifile on 06 October 2023: paid a courtesy call on the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) ACHPR Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, Hon. Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo. The meeting, held at Hon. Commissioner Topsy-Sonoo’s office […]

Unveiling Gender Realities of Journalists’ Safety in East Africa 2023

Secrecy is the freedom zealots dream of: no watchman to check the door, no accountant to check the books, no judge to check the law. The secret government has no constitution. The rules it follows are the rules it makes up”, U.S. journalist Bill Moyers commented in 1987 in regard to the secrecy of government […]

20th Procurement Policy Forum: CSO’s statement

November 23, 2023 Chairperson,Senior Government Officials,Development partnersColleagues CSO leadersLadies and gentlemen;Ladies and Gentlemen; I am pleased to address this 20 th public procurement policy dialogue on behalf of civil society organisations working on transparency, accountability and integrity issues in public procurement in Uganda. CSOs working on transparency, accountability, value for money and inclusiveness in public […]

PPDA solicits input into the draft guidelines for reservation scheme

AFIC in partnership with PPDA conducted a half day workshop to review draft guidelines for special interest groups (Women, Youth and People with Disabilities) participation in public procurement. The meeting was held with PPDA’s Performance Monitoring department and the Legal and Investigations department, other key stakeholders including selected PDEs, CSOs, private sector and Women in […]

A look into Kick Corruption out of Uganda’s achievements: Paving the Way for a Corruption-Free Society

Kick Corruption out of Uganda Organisation (KICK-U) has been steadfastly working towards its mission “Facilitating Communities to demand for good Governance and Accountability for improved service delivery in Uganda.” As we reflect on our recent accomplishments, we take pride in the transformative projects and activities that have made a significant impact on the communities in […]

Open Contracting Improves Social Service Delivery in Uganda-Success Stories

Ministry of Public Service Mainstreams Open Contracting in the Curriculum of the Uganda Civil Service Open Contracting Improves Social Service Delivery in Uganda Introduction Globally, governments spend approximately USD 9.5 trillion annually in public contracting . However, the rate of return on this investment is quite low because public procurement is faced with a myriad […]

Towards gender equality: Understanding the Barriers and Solutions to Include Women-Led Businesses in East Africa.

Fostering Gender Responsive Public Procurement: Understanding the Barriers and Solutions to Include Women-Led Businesses in East Africa. The government procurement sector is a massive market worldwide, with many governments spending around 15% of their GDP on goods, works, and services every year. This presents a significant opportunity to address labour market segregation and gender employment […]

Community monitoring influences Local Government action on open contracting

Community Monitoring Influences Local Government Action in Kanungu The challenge Since the year 2018, AFIC has been training civil society organizations and community monitors on public contracts’ monitoring. Before AFIC’s interventions, the phenomenon of contracts’ monitoring was unheard of and no citizen could relate to contract information. Through continuous coaching and mentoring, citizens have been […]

AFIC briefs the media ahead of International Day for Universal Access to Information

In commemoration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) 2023, the year’s global theme, as set by UNESCO, is ‘the importance of online space for access to information’. Ms. Charity Komujjurizi speaking on behalf of the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) said that this theme is relevant as Uganda stands at the peak of […]

AFIC, Article 19, Federation of African Journalist send a letter to the President of Senegal

In a letter addressed to the President’s office, Article 19, Federation of African Journalists and Africa Freedom of Information Centre urged the government of Senegal to enact Access to Information law. Senegal remains among the 26 African Countries that have not yet enacted the Access to Information law, the rest being; Burundi, Cameroon, Central African […]

AFIC leads International Day for Universal Access to Information celebrations

The 74th UN General Assembly (UNGA) with the sponsorship of Uganda and 28 other UN member states, on October 15, 2019, proclaimed 28th September as the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI). Specific to Uganda, Article 41 of the Constitution guarantees citizens access to information whereas the Access to Information Act (ATIA) was […]

AFIC: Observer Status Ref. Number 434 Statement in Support of the Special Mandate on Freedom of Expression

Arusha October 2023 Hon Chairperson, Distinguished Hon Commissioners, State delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen, Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) and its membership of 51 civil society organisations in 27 African countries, have the pleasure to commend the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa for her leadership and excellent collaboration […]

The government of Uganda praises civil society and the media for their role in exposing corruption

The government has praised civil society and the media for their role in exposing corruption, attributing their effectiveness to digital technology and social media platforms. The commissioner of national guidance in the Ministry of Information, Kamarage Kakonge, highlighted the critical role played by civil society organizations and the media in holding government officials accountable. These […]

AFIC: Observer Status Ref. Number 434 Statement in Support of the Special Mandate on Freedom of Expression

Arusha October 2023 Statement delivered by Gilbert Sendugwa, Executive Director Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) Hon Chairperson, Distinguished Hon Commissioners, State delegates, Ladies andGentlemen, Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) and its membership of 51 civil society organisations in 27 African countries, have the pleasure to commend the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression […]

Progress in the adoption of ATI legislation by States Parties: Successes and challenges

Gilbert Sendugwa, Executive Director African Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) Introduction and observations Adoption of ATI laws in Africa started very late and slowly. The first ATI law in Africa was adopted in the year 2000, nineteen (19) years after the adoption of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and when 85 other […]

Transparency issues in the distribution of sanitary towels to primary and secondary schools in Nambale sub-county, Kenya resolved

Year: 2016 Country: Kenya Requestor: A member of civil society organization, Young Leaders of Kenya (YOLEKA) Issue area: Health The issue/Story: Since the financial year 2011/2012, the Kenyan Government committed Ksh. 240 Million for the purchase and distribution of sanitary towels to 443. 858 girls in primary and secondary schools12. The project was to be […]

Citizens empowered to hold their leaders accountable in Mbale

The challenge: Before 2020, poor selection of contractors and execution of government contracts in Mbale region was common with resultant shoddy works, delayed completion of projects and suspicion of collusion amongst suppliers and government officials among many other challenges. This affected the quality of implementation of government projects in Mbale City and Mbale District. However, […]

Case studies on the impact of ATI and Anti-corruption in Uganda, Kenya, and Malawi

Find out how access to information has inpacted service delivery in Uganda, Kenya and Malawi Click here

Children attendance of school improves as a result of increased access to clean water

Sickness of pupils and absenteeism from school used to be a big problem at Khamoto Primary School in Mbale District. Pupils especially those in lower primary school used to fall sick from diarrheal diseases quite regularly and not attend school. Others would be discouraged because they would be required to walk long distance to fetch […]

Uganda Contracts Monitoring Coalition (UCMC)

UCMC brings 24 civil society organizations that monitor public contracts in Uganda. Since 2015, the coalition has monitored over 100 contracts and provided findings and recommendations to various government agencies. Click here to visit UCMC website

African Platform on Access to Information (APAI) Working Group

This brings together nine civil society organizations promoting access to information in Africa. The Working Group organized the September 2011 Pan African Conference on Access to Information which adopted the African Platform on Access to Information (APAI) Declaration. The declaration formed the basis of subsequent successful campaigns that resulted in the proclamation of September 28th […]

CoST- Uganda

CoST Uganda is the Ugandan Chapter of CoST International, the global infrastructure transparency initiative. The programme started in Uganda in 2014 initially being hosted by the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) and later by Uganda Youth Martial Matrix (YOMMINT). Following years of instability and stagnation, AFIC was in July 2016 requested to host the initiative, […]

Freedom of Information Advocates Network (FOIAnet)

This is an international information-sharing network of organizations and individuals working to promote the right of access to information. It runs a discussion list for news and debate on the right of access to information around the world. FOIAnet currently has 976 members including civil society representatives, lawyers, academics, information commissioners and others with a […]

Placenta pit constructed at pemba health centre as a result of citizen demand for information

Placenta Pit Constructed at Pemba Health Centre as a result of Citizen Demands The challenge: The discharge of medical waste at Pemba Health Centre in Salima district of Malawi was for a long time a significant community concern due to bad odor and ugly scenes of places where damping was taking place around the health […]

Strengthening disclosure and citizen participation to improve value for money in public contracting in Africa

Strengthening disclosure and citizen participation to improve value for money in public contracting in Africa Transparency cand public participation in public contracting in Africa is challenged, compounding corruption and collusion and denying citizens much needed services. With a US$300,0000 grant from the William and Flora Foundation, AFIC and its members implemented a 2-year ‘strengthening disclosure […]

Fostering a gender responsive public procurement in Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia and Rwanda

Fostering a gender responsive public procurement in East Africa In 2021, Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) in partnership with The Institute for Social Accountability (TISA) and Open Contracting Partnership carried out a research study to understand barriers and solutions to include women-led businesses in Public Procurement. It was discovered that only 1% of women-led […]

25 Billion Spent But No Water: An Information Request Brings Clean Water to Communities

An Information Request Brings Clean Water to Communities In 2015, the government of Uganda injected sh25 billion in the Alwi dry corridor water project in an effort to improve access to water in 10 sub counties of Nebbi and Pakwach districts. This was an initiative by The Ministry of Water and Environment to supply water […]

Sunlight in Digital Technology: Procurement of Digital Technology Systems in Liberia, Nigeria and Uganda

Sunlight in Digital Technology: Procurement of Digital Technology Systems in Liberia, Nigeria and Uganda The procurement and deployment of Digital Technology Systems is playing a critical role in Africa’s economic development. However, questions have been raised regarding the secrecy around how they are procured and deployed, cost, source of funding, legal framework, safeguards around privacy […]

Enhancing Performance and Transparency of Social Service Contracts in Uganda

Enhancing performance and transparency of social service contracts in Uganda With funding from the Global Partnership on Social Accountability (GPSA), AFIC in collaboration with Uganda Contracts Monitoring Coalition (UCMC) implemented a 4-year US$650,000 project with an aim to enhance performance and transparency of service contracts in public sectors of health, education and agriculture. The […]

An efficient public finance system in Uganda: Promoting fiscal measures that will enhance inclusive growth and active participation of the citizenry’

Promoting fiscal measures that will enhance inclusive growth and active participation of the citizenry’ Government and donor funded projects have come and gone, but material conditions of intended beneficiaries have not improved significantly. AFIC with support of Oxfam in Uganda and Oxfam NOVIB implemented a five-year EUR 250,000 project, ‘An Efficient Public Finance System in […]

The extent to which countries implement world bank’s civic engagement framework in practice

Accountability Research Centre (ARC) One of the challenges affecting sustainability of project development outcomes is lack of beneficiary participation and ownership. Through its Citizens Engage-ment Framework, the World Bank commits to en-sure citizens access to infor-mation and participation in its funded projects. In 2019, AFIC with funding from the Accountability Research Centre of the American […]

Improving social service delivery to citizens through open contracting in Uganda

Improving social service delivery to citizens through open contracting in Uganda (DGF 1 & 2) The Democratic Governance Facility supported AFIC to improve government responsiveness to citizens’ demand for public procurement information, increase citizens and CSOs demand for public procurement information and enhance government responsiveness towards citizens’ feedback on public procurement accountability issues for 21 […]

Towards Gender Equality; Understanding barriers and solutions to include Women-Led Business in Public Procurement

Towards Gender Equality; Understanding barriers and solutions to include Women-Led Business in Public Procurement Under this project, Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) undertook a study in partnership with The Institute of Social Accountability(TISA) and Open Contracting Partnership (OCP) to understand the barriers and solutions to include women-led businesses in public procurement in Five projects […]

The State of Implementation of the Open Contracting and Access to Information commitments in open government partnership national plan in Africa: Case of Kenya, Malawi, Ghana and Nigeria

Assessment of the Implementation of SDG 16.10.02 on Access to Information in Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe

Assessment of the Implementation of SDG 16.10.02 on Access to Information in Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe Access to information is a fundamental human right closely tied to freedom of expression and media freedom, recognized by various international organizations, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 16 specifically emphasizes the importance of […]

Access to Project Information: Analysis of Malawi Infrastructure Projects Data

Access to Project Information: Analysis of Malawi Infrastructure Projects Data In recognition of the significance of public access to information, the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC), in collaboration with CoST Malawi, the Centre for Human Rights Rehabilitation (CHRR), Africa Freedom Information Centre (AFIC), and the Partnership for Transparency Fund (PTF),planned to observe the International Day […]

The State of Access to Information and Elections in Uganda

The State of Access to Information and Elections in Uganda As Uganda prepared to go to the polls in February 2021, critical issues arose regarding the country’s preparedness towards this most important democratic process. To enable an informed choice on the future leaders of the country, access to information is critical in the electoral […]

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 […]

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