SECTOR 1 “For media, they know that there is the possibility that sensitive information can be made public. But if you go as an individual, it is easy to get the information.” “Some information is available online, but the ability of the masses to consume this information is questionable.” Clauses in the Constitution, and in Section 5 of the Act, contain limitations on access to information where said information “is likely to prejudice the security or sovereignty of the State or interfere with the right to the privacy of any other person.” However, even where this is not the case, “at times, they will pull the security or sovereignty card to deny you access to information.” “There is also the issue of mindset, wherein most people in government think everything is top secret. They stamp everything as top secret! The good British left us all these things. Part of why the change is happening is because of progressive people in the system. It often boils down to the individual to say give this (information) or not.” Where progress has happened, this progress can be traced to the pressure that the media has been placing on different sectors to make information available. “We realise that it will take years for the Defence sector to open up. Also, getting information on the personal wealth of certain political leaders is difficult. But the media have gone after government agencies, and so the public accounts committee, for example, is facing the pressure to open.” “The government is not unresponsive, but it is slow to respond.” Other factors that may hinder access to information include language, distance, and in some cases, having to pay for the required information. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 24 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER UGANDA 2016 3.1 (2012 = 2.4; 2010 = 1.9; 2007 = 2.7)