SECTOR 1 The 2011 Regulations establish procedures for citizens to request governmentheld information and for government to respond to such requests. But the Regulations also include a number of provisions that could make access costly and difficult for members of the public6. For example, the Regulations require individuals applying for information to pay a number of fees that go beyond the specific charges for copying and preparing information. These fees include an upfront, “non refundable access fee” of UGX 20 000 (USD 8). Schedule 2 of the ATI Regulations lists 15 different forms to be used by individuals requesting information, third parties with an interest in the information, or public bodies granting or refusing an access request: an indication that requesting information could be a cumbersome, bureaucratic process. The regulations also give little guidance to civil servants on how to respond to information requests. “We have a challenge defining accessibility”, said a panellist. “’Easily accessible’ would be like what Kenya has done by putting all public information on-line. But documents in Uganda are not physically accessible: people act as if they own them. Therefore I wouldn’t say public information is ‘easily accessible’.” Newly recruited civil servants undergo an induction process that does little to encourage you to release information, said another panellist. “You are more inclined to be secretive and very careful, even when sharing information with colleagues. That is why journalists have to use inducements to obtain information.” In spite of the ATI Act, officials will still insist that only permanent secretaries can release information to the media. When even MPs are denied access to the agreement government signed with oil companies following the recent discovery of oil, journalists are unlikely to be granted access to such information. Government does not have the systems in place to make information easily available. Information is “scattered”, even in the urban centres, and those living in rural areas stand even less of a chance when trying to get hold of information. Local leaders hold public forums (baraza) in their communities “but the information that is disseminated is not necessary the correct information, rather what is politically correct”. Generally, the political will to make information accessible is not there. Not all the panellists agreed: “Ugandan citizens don’t understand that they have the right to access information. We shouldn’t just blame the bureaucrats. The the citizens do not know they have the right to information, nor where to find it. Accessing information using the right channels is very easy. Every government entity has a Public Relations department.” 6 For the World Resources Institute’s analysis of the 2011 ATI regulations, go to http://pdf.wri.org/uganda_access_to_ information_regulations_2011-06-30.pdf AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER UGANDA 2012 23