Student leaders' workshop; A presentation by Mr. Magoola Moses-HURINET-U-

THE NEXUS BETWEEN ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND STRIKES IN UNIVERSITIES
BY MAGOOLA MOSES
Students Training on Access to Information
24 April, 2007 Makerere, University
Outline of Presentation
Introduction
Why is information important to students
Nature of Strikes
Causes Related to ATI
How can strikes be regulated through ATI
Concluding Remarks
Introduction
Access to information is premised on the principle that all information in the hands of government should be availed to the public unless it will jeopardize the security of the government
Strikes are violent and non violent mechanisms adopted by individuals and groups in resentment of unpopular decisions, policies that do not auger well with their interests. BUT are also applied in demand for popular policies.

Cont….
Accessing information is A fundamental prerequisite for peaceful co-existence and democratic governance in any set up e.g. State, organization, institution
Freedom to access, give and impart is guided by standards, principles and regulations
Cont….
The established standards are universal, regional and national levels
These standards provide the platform for a conducive environment for harmonious co-existence respected as they are pre-emptive Measures.
These include; UDHR, ICCPR, ACHPR, and domestically, the national constitution and 2005 Act on Access to Information
Why information is key to students
Information is at the center stage of the existence of the human society
Information is a catalyst for good governance
Freedom of information specifically Access to Information held by Public and University Authorities, is a fundamental element of the right to freedom of expression and vital to the proper functioning of a democracy
Cont…..
Information facilitates communication- Between students and the University Administration, Government and Public at large
Denial of information is can be a cause of violent conflict- Application of violent means to access it.
Accessing information is a FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHT

Classification of Student Strikes
Student Strikes in Universities are two dimensional:
1) Internal Triggers- Students Vs Administrators, Students Vs Students
2) External Triggers- Students Vs Government, Students Vs Neighbouring Communities.
Causes related to ATIA
Communication Gap
Information distortion
Lack of Transparency at Administrative and National levels
Corruption
Unpopular Policies and decisions of Government
How can strikes be regulated through ATIA
Transparency and Accountability
ATI entails effective communication (it has to be two way-emphasis his)
ATI is a democratic virtue that puts emphasis on construction of a culture of dialogue, discussion and if possible consensus among all members of a social group to enable the most enlightened decisions on how to manage social affairs
Cont….
Cultivating a conflict sensitive Approach
Concluding Remarks
Freedom to Access Information is central to human development and an indispensable element of stability- thus all authorities have a moral obligation to grant
There is need for creating an enabling legal and regulatory framework to access information
Legislation, Implementation and Monitoring of ATI requires concerted efforts of the Administrators, students and all leaders in sectors
Cont….
Human Rights and Peace are interdependent- ATI and Peace on university campuses can only be achieved when both are pursued in tandem.
Around the world millions are demanding for accountable leadership, a voice in decision making and peaceful co-existence- lets play our part by demanding and providing information in order to cause/ create cause change
If people do not know what is happening around society and actions of their rulers are hidden, then they can not take meaningful part in the affairs of that society. "Information is not just a necessity- it is an essential part of good governance. Bad governance needs secrecy to survive. It allows inefficiency, wastefulness, structural marginalization and corruption to thrive. Information allows people to scrutinize the actions of a government and provide the basis for proper, and informed debate about those actions." The public’s right to know: Principles on Freedom of Information Legislation available at:www.article19.org