As Uganda joins the rest of the world today to commemorate the International Day for Universal Access to Information, pressure mounts on the government to amend its Access to Information Act (2005) to align with African and international standards.
The event, held at Makerere University under the theme “Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in the Public Sector,” has spotlighted the critical need for legal reforms and enhanced internet access across the country.
Gilbert Sendugwa, Executive Director of the African Freedom of Information Centre, emphasized the importance of aligning Uganda’s access to information laws with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) Model Laws. “Uganda’s Access to Information Act needs urgent amendments to match the ACHPR recommendations, which include ensuring that restrictions on freedom of expression are reasonable and justifiable according to international human rights standards,” Sendugwa said. He also stressed the need to protect journalists from harassment, particularly during politically sensitive periods such as elections.
As the nation reflects on the progress made in promoting access to information, the government faces criticism for lagging behind on key reforms. Despite the commemoration, Uganda has yet to update its Access to Information Act to meet the demands of the African Model Law and other global standards.
Addressing the media ahead of the commemoration, the Minister of State for National Guidance, Hon. Godfrey Kabbyanga Baluku, outlined the government’s ongoing efforts to improve access to information. He announced that the government has secured funds from the Exim Bank and the World Bank to develop internet infrastructure across all districts. “We aim to extend fibre infrastructure to every parish in the country, ensuring that all citizens have access to the internet and can obtain information regularly,” Kabbyanga said.
Currently, only 53 out of 135 districts are covered by internet infrastructure, a gap the government intends to close with the newly secured funding. Kabbyanga also revealed plans to mandate Uganda Telecommunication Company Ltd to handle the provision of internet services on the government’s behalf, while encouraging private sector involvement.
Despite reducing internet costs for public institutions from $350 to $75 per megabit, the minister expressed hope that further development would make internet access more affordable for all Ugandan.
Justice Mariam Wangadya, Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), underscored the role of access to information in upholding human rights. “Freedom of information is a fundamental human right and the foundation of all the freedoms upheld by the United Nations,” Wangadya noted, citing UN General Assembly Resolution 59. She highlighted the UHRC’s mandate to monitor government compliance with international treaties and conventions, including the right to access information.
Wangadya also called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to promote and protect human rights in Uganda, stressing that this year’s commemoration should serve as an opportunity to reflect on progress made and identify solutions to ongoing challenges. She commended online media platforms for their rapid dissemination of information but advocated for better regulation to ensure they operate within national guidelines.
Meri Nanyanzi, Senior Programs Officer at Twaweza, shared insights from a recent survey indicating that FM radio remains the most popular medium for accessing information in Uganda. “Radio continues to be the vital source of information, particularly for rural communities and older citizens,” Nanyanzi said. The survey also found that internet and television appeal more to younger, wealthier, and urban populations, with rising internet usage among educated youth.
As Uganda commemorates the International Day for Universal Access to Information, the event has brought into sharp focus the need for both legislative reform and greater investment in digital infrastructure. With the government pledging to expand internet access and human rights advocates pushing for stronger protections, the nation faces a crucial moment in advancing access to information for all its citizens.
