CSOs Demand EC To Disclose Access To Information On Election Proceedings

Posted by: lukwago J in Uganda news December 17, 2020

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have demand the Electoral Commission (EC) to provide access to timely information to the public during campaigns including procurement deals and political parties funding for the public to make informed decisions during elections.

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.

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