The State Minister for Information, Communications, Technology, and National Guidance Peter Ogwang has revealed that Government is committed to ensuring that citizens get access to timely and authentic information.
Minister Ogwang made the remarks while officiating at the launch of the Access to Information Act guidelines, in a speech that was read on his behalf by the director of Information and National Guidance directorate at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance at Golf course Hotel in Kampala.
The guidelines were compiled by Twaweza Uganda in partnership with the Ministry of ICT and National guidance.
Minister Ogwang noted that it is significant for citizens to get access to information so they are able to appreciate the role of the Government in making decisions on their behalf.
He also noted that meaningful participation in democratic processes requires an informed populace, therefore; access to information would help to address most grievances that arise due to limited access to full information.
While speaking at the same launch the Executive Director Twaweza-Uganda Aidan Eyakuze noted that there is not much that can be done without bringing the citizens on board.
Susan Juliet Agwang who represented Africa for Information Centre emphasized that it is a constitutional right for citizens to request and access information.
The Access to Information Act guidelines was drafted following a number of surveys by Twaweza-Uganda and other organizations on public opinion and interviews of civil servants conducted that found significant challenges in the practice of access to information in Uganda.
By Hillary Turyasingura
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