The right to access to information is a fundamental human rights issue, recognized by international conventions, covenants, treaties, and declarations. Information is necessary to facilitate the participation and involvement of stakeholders in development processes. It must flow like blood in our body, which facilitates proper...
The Centre for Human Rights and its partners ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa, and ARTICLE 19 Western Africa invite stakeholders to the launch of the reports on Proactive Disclosure of Information and Elections in Africa. The reports assessed state compliance with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights...
Ghana is considered to be part of the countries on the continent that are relatively new when it comes to the implementation of access to information laws. Ghana’s Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989) is ranked high amongst RTI laws from other West African...
The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) Africa Office in collaboration with the Coalition on the Right to Information, Ghana is hosting a webinar titled “Implementing Right to Access Information Laws in Africa: Maximizing Online Spaces for Proactive Disclosure” to mark 2023 IDUAI. The webinar seeks...
In a remarkable display of civic engagement, Public Information Noble (PIN), an innovative organization and member of the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) dedicated to promoting transparency and access to information, recently received an overwhelming response to its call for volunteers. With over 200...
BEAUTY EMEFA NARTEH (MRS.) Beauty Emefa Narteh is the Executive Secretary of the Ghana Anti – Corruption Coalition (GACC) since January 2017. Prior to this, she served as the Acting Executive Secretary and Communications Officer of GACC.Beauty is a member of the High-Level Implementation Committee (HiLiC) of...
Bridging the disproportionate lag in access to fixed internet in Ethiopia at 6% less for women compared to their counterparts currently at 20%, not only composes a hindrance to realizing the SDGs but also broadens the inclusive participation in sustainable development. This eliminates 61% of...
Through the SDG framework, governments committed to advance gender equality. However, halfway to the SDG 2030 target, the foundations to economic are not being tackled. Governments in Africa and around the world spend over 60% of national budgets every year through public procurement yet women-owned...
The Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) has taken a significant step towards bolstering its efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance across the African continent.The organization has extended a warm welcome to three new members who have joined its ranks, namely the Public...
Africa Freedom of Information Centre together with their Rwandan partners Never Again Rwanda, during their visit to the Forum of women Parliamentarians of Rwanda (FFRP) on Wednesday 26th July, 2023 at their offices, learnt that the Rwandan Parliament had incorporated insights from AFIC’s study on...
Ministry of Gender Labor and Social Development (MGLSD) has committed to lead by example in promoting the reservation of special interest groups within the Ministry Procurements.This commitment was made during the Gender and Women Affairs Departmental weekly meeting on the 14th August, 2023 where AFIC...
Shortage of classrooms had always been a big problem at Linthipe Primary School in Salima District in Malawi. To address this problem, in 2015, parents mobilized themselves and engaged a contractor to undertake the construction works. Unfortunately, the contractor abandoned work before completion but after...
Thousands of people finally enjoy better hygiene and cleanliness resulting from campaigns launched in Salima district in Malawi.This followed citizen training on citizen contract monitoring and access to Information through open contracting project carried out by Africa Freedom of Information Centre in partnership with Centre...
As the age-old adage, ‘’ information is power’’! It represents a fundamental principle that underscores democratic societies and empowers communities; one such testimony to the power of information is the story of the Aworopataa community health centre.Over a decade ago, in 2008, the Aworopataa community in...
Africa Freedom of Information Centre, AFIC, organized a three-day workshop from the 11th to the 13th of July 2023 at Protea Hotel Skyz in Kampala funded by UNESCO.The training was based on UNESCO’s 2019 report on elections and media in digital times; which identified three...
In a major legal triumph for Media Rights Agenda (MRA), a Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, ruled on June 14, 2023 that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) must provide the organization with the information it requested in a letter dated May 22, 2020.The...
Members of Parliament have taken to the floor to call government’s attention to gender- responsive public procurement in Uganda. Hon. Shartsi Musherure, MP for Mawogola North in Sembabule championed the advocacy and passionately asked the Minister of Finance to share with Parliament why the regulations for reservation for special...
In a bid to promote gender responsive public Procurement in Uganda, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) hosted a media roundtable discussion on June 30th, 2023, at the Golf Course Hotel in Kampala.This engaging event brought together journalists, editors, reporters, and social media influencers...
The journalists in Kenya have vowed to expose all cases of misery, citizens face during their attempt to participate in the Access Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO).This followed a media round table discussion organized by Africa Freedom of Information Centre in collaboration with AFIC partners...
Despite an increase in the number of women doing business with the government in Kenya, the amount allocated to them under the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) remains low.AGPO is an affirmative action law that requires public entities to apportion at least 30% of...
The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) has announced plans to amend the law to include special interest groups in public procurement.This announcement was made by Mr. Masunya Nashon, the Manager of Research and Documents during a stakeholder engagement organised by AFIC in collaboration with...
Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) recently concluded a series of successful engagements with state actors in Ethiopia as part of its advocacy activities.The focus of these activities was to promote gender-responsive public procurement and address the barriers faced by women-led businesses in accessing public...
During a visit to Ethiopia from May 22nd to 26th, 2023, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) embarked on a collaborative journey with its country partner, KAL Law Office, and partnered with the Inspired Ethiopian Youth Association (IEYA) to advance the cause of promoting...
In a significant step towards promoting gender equality and inclusivity in public procurement, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) conducted advocacy activities in Ethiopia from 22nd to 26th May.The engagements that aimed to address the barriers faced by women-led businesses in accessing...
Africa Freedom of Information Centre is seeking to engage experienced and highly skilled resource persons to develop high end impact documentaries in project countries; Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Rwanda. The resource person to undertake the task is required to be a local resident for...
While Uganda has made progressive laws and policies, including increasing women’s participation in public procurement; a study research done by Africa Freedom of Information (AFIC) in partnership with Open Contracting Partnership and The Institute for Social Accountability in Uganda, reveals that lack of effective implementation undermines...
Public procurement plays a vital role in economic growth and development, as it provides opportunities for businesses to supply goods and services to the government.In Tanzania, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) in partnership with The Chanzo conducted a research study to understand...
Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) has welcomed a proposal by Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) to reserve 15% for special interest (women, youth and persons with disabilities groups in Uganda. This was revealed during a stakeholder consultative meeting organized by AFIC...
Africa Freedom of Information Centre(AFIC) had an opportunity to participate in the East African Business Expo from 4th to 7th May at UMA Grounds, Kampala, Uganda.The East African Business Expo is an annual event that brings together businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors from East Africa and...
TISA in collaboration with Women in Business (WIB) have launched women in business GROW Study at a women convening on 30th March 2023 at The Golden Tulip Hotel-Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya.The meeting objective was to reflect on the significance of affirmative action in public procurement and...
Public access to information is at the heart of the work of the United Nations System. Whether it is fighting poverty and corruption, promoting health and well being, education for boys and girls, gender equality, conflict prevention and management or climate justice, access to information...
We are pleased to share our new report on the barriers and solutions to women’s participation in public procurement in Eastern Africa produced by Africa Freedom of Information Centre with our partners, The Open Contracting Partnership and The Institute for Social Accountability. Gender inequality is...
Healthcare is a fundamental human right, and access to adequate healthcare services is critical for every community's well-being and development.Access to healthcare has long been a problem in Gulu, a bustling city in Northern Uganda. Despite efforts by the government and other organizations to enhance...
In 2022, Africa Freedom of Information Centre did a procurement data study in the five countries of Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, Ghana, and Nigeria, and the results revealed a direct association between disclosure, contract supplies, and service delivery.According to Charity Komujjurizi, the project's lead, the study...
Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) initiated a community dialogue on access to information on April 26th, 2023 at Cwero, Paicho Sub-county, Gulu district in its efforts to develop citizens' capacities to seek and use public information.[caption id="attachment_22191" align="alignnone" width="315"] Community dialogue hosted by AFIC...
On April 26th, 2023, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre held an engagement meeting with district officials, municipal councils, and stakeholders in Gulu district at the Dove hotel in Gulu city.The purpose of the conference was to examine the results of data analysis on procurement...
Water is a basic prerequisite for schools to function properly. It is impossible to maintain basic hygiene standards in the absence of water, which can lead to the development of diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid. Furthermore, a lack of access to water can lead...
The electoral processes in Africa have largely been characterized by lack of transparency and accountability with citizens not being informed on key issues such as the appointment of members of election management bodies, registration of voters, nomination of candidates and conduct of campaigns, polling dates...
Public procurement is a critical part of the economy, and all members of society must have access to opportunities in this sector. However, women in Uganda suffer many barriers to engaging in public procurement.The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act, 2003 governs the...
Government procurement is the biggest public market in the world. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries spend an average of 12% of annual GDP procuring goods, works, and services while Low and Middle-Income countries spend an even greater proportion on such...
On 27th January 2022, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) a pan African membership civil society network and resource center promoting the right of access to information welcomed a new Governing Council. The election occurred during the 5th General Assembly held virtually on the...
Op-EdIn June 2021 the president of Uganda gave a directive to install digital motoring systems in all motorcycles and vehicles as means to crack down on rising insecurity in the country. However, reports indicate that Joint Stock Company Global Security that was awarded the 10-year...
Corruption is the silent destruction of a nation!In countries worldwide, it has been shown that when there's corruption in politics and economics, many people suffer. Corrupt governments stifle economic growth by diverting resources away from programs that benefit society as a whole; this means less...
The Government of Uganda has decentralized the power to develop the nation's resources to the district level under the principles of responsive and open local government. This has enhanced transparency, accountability, and citizen participation. Districts are expected to use the resources in the district to...
Press ReleaseAFIC released its research report "Sunlight in Digital Technologies". This report analyzes data gathered through triangulation from varied secondary and primary sources, using an exploratory research design combining a scoping review of grey and published literature with key informant interviews and a survey in Uganda, Liberia,...
A global network of major news organizations, press freedom organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), activists, and journalists is working together to safeguard everyone's right to free expression. However, journalists' capacity to conduct their work is being harmed by violence, intimidation, harassment, and censorship. Vigils are being...
The IDUAI 2021 Continental Youth Essay Competition is intended to facilitate youth awareness and participation of young people between the ages of 18 and 35 years in the adoption and implementation of the Access to Information Laws in Eastern Africa.As part of the 2021 IDUAI...
What are effective ways civil society can advance access to information at the national level? What are the obstacles to effective access to information? These questions were at the center of the third regional meeting on access to information for the Sub-Saharan Africa region, attended...
Over 200 participants representing Inter-Governmental organizations, Government, Private Sector, Civil Society Organisations, the Media, and the UN system gathered online and in person at the Kampala Serena Hotel, Uganda, for a public dialogue to commemorate the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) 2021....
UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa and its partners, joined the rest of the world to commemorate 28th September, the 2021 International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) under the theme, The Right to Know: Building Back Better with Access to Information.”The regional dialogue,...
The Access to Information Bill has been reintroduced in the National Assembly (NA) for discussion, following its initial tabling early last year.Although the bill was submitted to parliament last year, parliamentarians did not discuss it because of COVID-19 lockdowns restricting parliamentary sessions.The access to information...
Organizations promoting access to information and journalists have asked government to prevail over Public offices charging exorbitantly for access of information in Public interest.The Access to information Act provides that information should be mandatorily disclosed in Public interest at no fee. Although the act also...
Whereas public support for freedom of expression is strong and growing, a large majority of citizens still hold the view that government should only be able to restrict access to information when that information is vital to national security but it should not use it...
As East Africa prepares to join the rest of the world to commemorate 28th September 2021, the 2nd International Day for Universal Access to Information [IDUAI 2021], the media fraternity commended Twaweza East Africa and Africa Freedom for information Centre [AFIC] which are spearheading this...
Kampala, UgandaThe Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has called for the establishment of free internet access facilities in all districts of Uganda.The call comes as Uganda prepares to join the world to commemorate the International Day for Universal Access to Information on September 28,...
AFIC has reminded government that an informed public shall always make informed decisions that subsequently leads to economic development of that country and that a society which is deprived of vital information will always remain backward.Mr. Gilbert Sendugwa made these remarks yesterday during the...
Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) and partners- the Office of United Nations High Commissioner, UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, the African Union Commission, the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance and Twaweza East Africa have today, the 14th of September 2021 launched The...
The International Day of Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) will be commemorated on the 28th of September 2021. IDUAI is an opportunity to highlight the importance of expanding access to information laws and their implementation worldwide, in order to build back strong institutions for sustainable...
''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...
August 23, 2021Kampala, UgandaOver 100 participants from Eastern Africa and beyond representing line Ministries, Parastatals, Agencies, Parliament, Private Sector, Civil society Organizations, Media, and the UN system have re-affirmed their commitment to promote access to information and protection of fundamental freedoms in Eastern Africa.The commitment...