Background.
Africa Freedom of Information (AFIC) with support from Omidyar Network conducted research in Uganda as part of a pilot study investigating the procurement and deployment of Digital Technology Systems in Africa (Uganda, Liberia, and Nigeria). The study aimed to understand: (i) what digital technologies are being procured by the government; (ii) the purposes for which these technologies are procured; (iii) the circumstances that trigger their procurement; (iv) the processes which these procurements follow; (v) the laws that relate to procurement and use of digital technologies; (vi) the different perceptions of the public and civil society on procurement of digital technologies; and (vii) the safeguards to privacy, security, inclusion and individual control in the procurement and use of digital technologies. This study mainly focused on three digital technology systems (DTS) namely, biometric; artificial intelligence; and facial recognition technologies to examine people’s knowledge of such DTSs.
AFIC is seeking the services of a consultant to produce a documentary on the Promotion of Transparency of Government Procurement of Digital Technology Systems in Uganda.
Context
Findings from the study reveal that different government MDAs are procuring DTSs mostly in the security sector and those whose functions depend on having accurate information about citizens (for instance, the Uganda Electoral Commission (UEC) procured DTSs more than others. In relation to Procurement of DTSs, findings from the analysis of procurement of various DTSs across five financial years (2015/16-2020/21) and various MDAs shows that in the last five financial years, The Electoral Commission (EC) has spent the highest on DTSs followed by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Uganda Electricity Distribution Company (UEDCL), Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) in that order. Various DTSs including Biometric machines; CCTV cameras; Integrated Financial Management Systems (IFMS) and Facial Recognition have been procured mainly. The Uganda Government mainly funds DTS procurements. Donors’ contribution is estimated at 25%.
There are concerns about abuse or misuse of DTSs, particularly, CCTV cameras and the Finisher spyware, it is believed that these technology platforms were acquired primarily to enable state surveillance of opposition figures in order to silence dissenting voices. The procurement details of DTSs are not adequate in the public domain, despite their funding being fetched largely from public funds. They are characterized by low information disclosure, lack of transparency, inflated pricing, inefficiency, and poor use of competitive bidding in procurement processes. There are no special laws to guide the procurement of DTSs in Uganda. General procurement laws are being used to guide the processes of their procurement. Some laws have been amended and others enacted to support/justify procurements for DTSs. There are also human rights concerns on the use of Digital technology systems that capture personal indentation data; whereas investment in DTSs continues to grow, many questions regarding how they guarantee citizens’ safety continue to linger.
This report was launched in July, and results have been disseminated. The project is soliciting services from a specialized firm or company or individual to provide services for documentation of the changes within the project implementation areas.
Purpose of the documentary
- To document the perception of citizens on government procurement of digital technology systems in Uganda.
- To highlight existing opportunities, the project has to enhance advocacy for transparency of procurement of digital technology systems in Uganda.
Scope of Work
Production of a video of 20 minutes (at most) about the perception of citizens on government procurement of digital technology systems in Uganda.
Expected Key Outputs
- A script showing the flow of the themes, sub-themes, and storylines as per the objectives.
- A 20-minute short documentary about the above objectives.
- Recordings and branded CD of the final documentary
Specific Tasks
- To hold preparatory discussion with the Officer in charge of preparing videos.
- To prepare the script and narration for the overall documentary.
- To capture video footage as agreed with AFIC Team and according to the prepared script.
- To record narration and prepare background music for the videos.
- To translate the project beneficiaries’ voices into English for subtitles.
- To prepare draft videos documentaries and submit them to AFIC for final feedback before the deadline of the contract.
- Complete the videos according to the feedback provided by the project team.
- To manage all necessary tools and equipment including tapes, DVDs, etc.
Authority and Responsibility
The consultant will be responsible for the delivery of the documentary. In this role, he will:
- Manage the logistics necessary for all tasks presented in the Scope of the assignment section of the ToR. The AFIC team will offer content support.
- Develop the deliverables within the time period in clear English Language. AFIC will offer feedback and comments, but will not edit deliverables. The consultant is responsible for doing these or work with a professional editor within the existing budget.
AFIC team will be responsible for the following tasks;
- Provide a clear ToR
- Introduce the Consultant to relevant internal and external stakeholders
- Provide information on existing documents
- Be available for clarifications and support
- Review drafts of required deliverables and suggest necessary changes.
- Approve final versions of deliverables and make payments accordingly.
Consultancy Requirements
Interested consultants will be required to present the following;
- A recent updated Resume including a commitment to availability for the entire assignment and readiness to deliver as per agreed timelines. Please include a physical contact address. And experience both professional and academic-related to this assignment.
- An invoice with a reasonable financial proposal for this assignment clearly stating the planned tasks and flow of the script.
Timeframes
20 days from the contract start.
- Application
To apply for this consultancy, please send your documents to info@africafoicentre.org copy to charity@africafoicentre.org
Apply not later than 5:00 PM, 1st November 2021
- Intellectual Property Rights
The outputs of the assignment are the property of Africa Freedom of Information Centre