Freedom of information in East Africa: lessons from Uganda

This study delves into utility and implementation of access to information Act (ATIA) in Uganda. It further analyses challenges which double as lessons that the East African Community (EAC) and member States can learn from Uganda’s experience for a paradigm shift for better and successful ATI regimes. In reaching the findings, the study applied a triangulation of the qualitative study methodology. Hence, the researcher applied desktop research, interview, questionnaire and observation methods. Triangulation of methods enabled the researcher reach finding that ATI is a fundamental human right and that the main factors affecting ATI in EA include lack of political will and poor record keeping in governments. Further, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and judiciary are essential for successful ATI regimes. To that effect, Uganda’s law, which has been used as litmus for the study does not adhere to international standards on ATI Legislation. Moreover, there is no model law on ATI in the EAC and, no serious attempt has been made towards one. The study concludes that ATI is not fully recognised and enjoyed in most of the EAC States. The enjoyment of ATI can only become a reality if EAC States address challenges identified in Uganda’s ATI experience. The researcher thus recommends; a renewal of political will and commitment by EA governments, adoption of a model law for the EAC to guide ATI legislative processes in EA, improved record keeping and management, judicial activism, awareness raising, regressing from secrecy and legislating ATI by EAC States as fundamental to full recognition and enjoyment of ATI.