Access to Information law takes effect this week

Apr 16, 2006

THE Access to Information Act that was assented to by President Yoweri Museveni last year becomes operational on Thursday.

By Charles Ariko
THE Access to Information Act that was assented to by President Yoweri Museveni last year becomes operational on Thursday.
The Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President in-charge of the directorate of ethics and integrity, Bageya Waiswa, said recently that all government departments and agencies had been notified.
Bageya said the head Public service and secretary to the Cabinet, John Mitala had communicated to all the permanent secretaries directing them to designate information officers in their ministries who will be the contact persons.
“April 20 has been appointed as the day when this law will come into effect. Each ministry or government agency is required to designate an information officer before that date,” Bageya said.
He was speaking at the launch of a framework for collaboration between the government and anti-corruption agencies and civil society organisations at Hotel Equatoria in Kampala.
Ethics and integrity minister Tim Lwanga officiated at the launch that was attended by representatives from anti-corruption agencies, civil society organisations and government officials.
Bageya said the Access to Information Act would bridge the information gap between the government and people who would like to access information in the possession of the State, or its agencies.
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