How access to information is linked to accountability and development

ToroDev Executive director Mr. Johnstone Baguma Kumaraki  while appearing on ‘’Manya ekiragiro kyawe’’ program on KRC Fm said it is vital for citizens to access information from all relevant government institutions such that even when citizens are demanding accountability from their elected leaders they do so from an informed point of view. Johnstone added that this helps citizens understand what has been going on and also engaging their leaders. Leaders with a habit of telling lies check themselves before coming on air or releasing any information to the public because they are aware that citizens are already informed hence need to package their information well.

‘’Manya ekiragiro Kyawe’’ program is supported by ToroDev and it is aired live every Wednesday 8:00pm-10:00pm on KRC Fm. During the live radio discussion, the district information officer Kabarole Mr. Ainganiza Stephen said, article 41 of Uganda’s constitution gives citizens a right to access information they want from any public institution every as long as it does not bring conflicts and instabilities in community and the purpose should be developmental, the article empowers citizens to take part in decision making and to demand for accountability. Government institutions and officials should give information to the public through pinning it on notice boards, on-line, publications and any other means so that people know the on-going engagements. This will develop our communities and also make leaders accountable.

                                                   Access to information is a right

 The two hours live discussion was joined by listeners through call-ins, face book, twitter and sms platforms;  “How can I know that the information they have given me is true when I don’t know the source, we need to also look for information such that when engaging leaders we are very well informed’’, said Amanyire John Kasweta a caller from Hakibale in Kabarole district, ‘’we still have a problem where our people don’t know the power of information, we need to empower them to access information despite the shortcomings of education levels, etc’’,  said Hon Muntu K. Willy from Ntoroko district,  ‘’the  constitution should be translated  into local languages so that people can be able to  read and understand the law that govern the country’’, said Omugurusi Kisembo a caller from Kanyambeho in Kabarole district.

 We take great opportunity to thank SIDA, NED, SPIDER, ICT4DEM, CIPESA & all other development partners for the financial & technical support in running these programs.