Concept Paper for the Student Leaders on Access to Information

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ GUILD
CONCEPT PAPER
BACKGROUND
Uganda has been and continues to be plagued by corruption perpetuated by public bodies and this is partly attributed to the fact that the public has no access to information in possession of these public bodies. It is hoped that with access to information laws, these public bodies will be more efficient, transparent and accountable to the people.

Corruption tendencies have not only affected the central government but its impact is also seen in local governments and institutions of learning. This coupled with lack of access to information have on many occasions caused students in institutions of learning to stage strikes against the management of these institutions leading to destruction of property and loss of lives.

To avert these strikes, student leaders take a leading role in resolving differences between management of these institutions and the students. As such they equally have a leading role to play in combating corruption not only in their institutions of learning but also in the country in general. This role, they can meaningfully be executed if they are empowered on access to information as a strong tool to fighting corruption and resolve misunderstandings between them and management authorities of their institutions.

In view of this, a one day workshop has been organized by Makerere University Students’ Guild under the theme “ACCESS TO INFORMATION FOR ACCOUNTABILITY AND STRIKE FREE UNIVERSITIES” with the main objective of equipping student leaders with relevant knowledge on access to information and how access to information is critical in fighting corruption and averting strikes in institutions of learning. Our view as organizers is that when student leaders are furnished with information pertaining to the day-to-day running of their institutions, they are in position to participate and hold accountable all those responsible other than resorting to strikes and other confrontational means. Indeed it has been found out that most of the strikes are caused by poor flow of communication between students and management. Thus, with effective communication, it is hoped that strikes will be averted since then the students will be viewing themselves as part of policies and decisions that affect them.


This workshop will attract student leaders from the following institutions:
Makerere university Students’ Guild
Nkumba University Students’ Guild
Gulu Univesrity Students’ Guild
Mbarara university Students’ Guild
Kampala International University Students’ Guild
Kyambogo University Students’ Guild
Uganda Law Students Society
Makerere Law Society

PROPOSED TOPICS AND SPEAKERS
“An Overview of the Uganda Access to Information Act, 2005 and Other Relevant Laws”- Asiimwe Joan–Assistant Project Officer Access to Information HURINET-U
“Using Access to Information To Avert Strikes In Institutions of Learning”- Mr. Moses Magoola– Project Officer Peace Building HURINET-U
“Engendering Transparency, Efficiency And Accountability Using Access To Information Laws”- Patrick Tumwine- Advocacy Officer HURINET-U
“The Role Of Students in Promoting Accountability in Institutions of Learning and other Government Departments”- Robert Kirunda – Lecturer HURIPEC

This workshop is part of the one year “CULTIVATING A CULTURE OF OPENNESS AND TRANSPARENCY AMONG STUDENT LEADERS USING ACCESS TO INFORMATION LAWS” project sponsored by the Youth Action Fund (Open Society Institute). The project is part of the 14 projects currently supported by YAF in Uganda to empower youth leaders to cause remarkable and positive change in their communities. An evaluation/ review workshop is thus scheduled to take place in September this year to enable student leaders trained in the National Workshop to share their diverse experiences in their respective institutions. It is from these experiences that resolutions and recommendations will be made to various stakeholders. Upon this premise such persons like the Minister for Higher Education, Vice Chancellors, and Members of Parliament and Local Government leaders will be targeted to attend this workshop.


Project Objectives
To empower the youth with knowledge of access to information and strengthen their capacity to demand for information from their leaders and management of institutions of learning.
To popularize the Access to Information Act and relevant laws among the youth
To mobilize youth for advocacy for full implementation of the Access to Information Act through passing of the regulations.
To increase youth participation in programmes that affect them hence reducing conflicts especially with leaders and management of their institutions of learning.

Project Goal
The overall goal of the project is to promote public participation particularly the youth in governance with the overarching goal of engendering efficient, transparent, effective and accountable institutions.