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Gilbert Sendugwa Executive Director of Africa Freedom of Information Centre says currently there is limited access to information from electoral body, Uganda communications commission and Public Procurement and Disposal Asset Authority on public spending.
He also adds that legal frame on access to information act limits disclosure of information on political party funding. However, it’s the right for citizens to know audited accounts of political parties funding agencies to trust political leaders they choose.
“As Uganda prepares to go to the polls in January 2021, Africa Freedom of Information Centre and other stakeholders demand EC to increase access to public information. And provide clear guideline on access to information especially on political party funding. This will enable the public make informed decisions and trust election our comes, “Gilbert Sendugwa said.
He was unveiling the state of access to information and elections in Uganda report in Kampala.
The state of access to information;
Sendugwa argued that access to information is critical in the electoral process. He says previous elections were characterized by lack of access to information by voters. This resulted in low voter turn up, significant number of spoilt votes, voters biases while political parties offered contested results.
“Because of limited access to information by electoral commission on major public spending on procurement and political party funding, we anticipate election petitions after elections.”Agwang Susan, Africa Freedom of Information Centre legal and research officer said.
She advised legislators to amend access to information law. This will compel public entities to disclose the information on major procurement deals.
According to Agwang, they analysed government spending especially on public procurement and disposal asset authority access to information registered it at 4%. This means that the government uses lots of public money in procurement without disclosure.
Key recommendations
Agwang recommended that electoral body proactively disclose information to the public accurately and timely. This can enable the public to trust the election machinery.
She further recommended that legislators amend access to information law. This will ensure transparency in public procurement entities and political parties funding.
Sendugwa AFIC boss recommended that Uganda ratifies all the six Africa Union treaty on access to information. He also emphasizes the country comply to international operating standards of information laws.
Sendugwa notes that Uganda failed to ratify these laws for the last six years. This is therefore hindering access to information by the public.
Check also;
- EC Boss Justice Simon Byabakama Speaks Out On Bobi Wine’s Calls For Him To Resign
- You Should Resign, Kyagulanyi Advises EC Chairperson Byabakama
- IGP Ochola Warns Campaigning Candidates Against Chaos And Violating EC Guidelines
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![[dropcap]A[/dropcap] section of women in Bugongo parish and Nawangaiza parish in Nawandala Sub County, Iganga District have decried the near-impossible terms set for them to access GROW funds. They have now petitioned their woman member of parliament for Iganga Hon. Kauma Sauda Alibaawo to ask the government for revised terms and conditions. This is to enable them to benefit from the program. The disgruntled women accuse the implementers of the program of charging the money. They are also asking for their land titles and land agreements. They said that such properties are governed by their husbands. These, therefore want the government through their woman MP to intervene and revise the requirements for one to benefit. The women were on Wednesday at Namabwere primary school in Nawandala Sub County. They had gathered in their respective groups to receive over 300 chickens from Hon Alibaawo in her campaign to improve the livelihood of women in Iganga district. Each group was given 50 chicken as start-up capital in their journey to prosperity. Read what some leaders said; Ms Naigambi Lydia from Nawandala Trading Centre says, “They solicited money from us through opening bank accounts and depositing Shs80,000. They also asked for land titles and land agreements from us yet we don’t have such things. I was informed that I needed to have a business with a capital of Shs4m yet my capital was very small.” The chairperson Kisoboka Saving Group in Nawandala Ms. Nakagolo Faith said they were not able to join the program. This is given the many conditions attached. She also asked their woman MP to raise their concerns to the relevant offices. The MP condemned the mode of implementation of the program. She cited that it has turned to benefit the well-off class of women other than the intended group. She further asked the government to intervene saying the current strings attached to the programme are very tight to accommodate a common woman. GROW project is a Government of Uganda initiative that arose out of the need to respond to the needs of women entrepreneurs. This is especially those who want to grow their businesses, sustain their self-employment and create more jobs. Check Also; Iganga District NRM Leaders Urge Museveni To Fulfill Election Promises Of 2021 International Women's Day: Celebrating Progress Towards Equality](https://i0.wp.com/newslexpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Iganga-women-decry-tough-terms-to-access-GROW-funds-e1731738339732.jpg?resize=300%2C160&ssl=1)
