The
Access to Information Act (ATI) is instrumental in empowering the public to
effectively scrutinize & participate in government decision making
processes that affect them and to protect persons disclosing evidence of
contravention of the law.
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| Patrick speaking at the training |
Speaking
at the one day training in ATI Patrick Tumwine a board member of Africa freedom
of Information Centre noted that Access to information is a right that can only
be exercised by demanding for information. Patrick also noted that Access to
information is not a media law but a law for every citizen to demand for their entitlements
and it is guaranteed by the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda.
The
one day training organized by Africa freedom of Information Centre was held at
Jerusalem hotel on 10/04/13. Africa freedom of Information Centre is a pan
African organization that promotes the right to access to information, which is
aimed at paving way for an efficient, effective, transparent government. The Centre also drafts and analyses access to
information related documents.
The
purpose of the training was to introduce and or refresh the participants on the
importance of the ATI and to create understanding on its different provisions
therein.
During
the training participants (who included CSO organizations operating in Fort
portal and the Kabarole district local government staff) were taken through
various topics; they ranged from the the ATI is and its importance, the
different provisions in the ACT, how to use it and the relationship between access
to information and the advancement of socio-economic rights.
In
his sharing Patrick gave an overview of the ATI Act. Among others Patrick
mentioned that in seeking for information, the law provides that if the
information sought for is not provided within 21 days, it passes for denial of
information and in that case stern measures can be taken against the person
that failed to provide the information.
Explaining
the relationship between access to information and the advancement of
socio-economic rights, the facilitator and Program Officer of Africa freedom of
Information Centre Mr. Peter Nsekengi mentioned that the ATI Act creates
conditions in which government policies about resource allocation are
challenged.
Peter
noted that according to a UNDP report effective anti-poverty programs require
accurate information on problems hindering development to be in the public
domain. Adding that without adequate and authentic information one can’t form
an opinion on the allocation of district resources as individuals or as CSOs.
In
advocating for socio-economic rights it’s important to understand that the ACT
provides means to seek explanation as to why decisions have been taken by whom
and with what consequences. Summing up his presentation Peter strongly asserted
that without information one cannot advocate for policy change; calling upon
all CSOs and individuals to update themselves with the ATI Act if they must
realize results in policy advocacy.
Closing
the training the Kabarole District Information Officer thanked AFIC for the
training. She noted many times CSOs have not utilized her office for
information wondering what
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| Lillian giving her closing remarks at the training |
information they use to guide their implementation
in the district. Among others decried the poor reading culture of the citizens
that she said is the biggest hinderance to access to information. Lillian
however noted that there is need for massive popularization of the ATI Act
through the mass media. She appealed to the CSOs and all other development
partners to incorporate this into their work plans.
