DGF/HIM PROJECT
Hub for Investigative Media (HIM) is implementing a project on the promotion of knowledge, usage and application of the Access to Information for 18 months with support from the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF). The project that began in August 2018 pursues three (3) specific objectives to realize its intended goal,namely:
(i) To strengthen citizens’ engagements in promoting government accountability through ATI;
(ii) To increase participation of citizens in decision making in line with ATI for responsive government programs; and
(iii) To increase involvement of citizens in identifying community ATI concerns and fundamental response.
One of the major purposes of the Access to Information Act 2005 is the promotion of an efficient, effective, transparent and accountable government. The same also empowers citizens to effective scrutinize and participate in government decisions that affect them.
The engagements during the project are targeting local government leaders, journalists and the public with special attention to youths, women and people with disabilities. Comprehensive knowledge on channels for accessing public information beyond LC 1 chairpersons and the District Information Officer/Offices shall be publicized. Awareness campaigns, capacity building and logistical support are being prioritized so as to create functional community structures.
The project is engaging communities in building sustainable structures which will continually evolve into the community knowledge base for information on citizens’ rights to access information in their community. This will also address gaps on the required government accountability mechanisms as well as procedures for accessing public information from leaders.
The project also focuses on building capacity of local leaders and developing sustainable community structures that will strengthen the responsibility of local leaders in providing government accountability towards Citizens. The ideal structures are to be integrated so as to promote knowledge on ATI as well as engage in advocacy for strengthened government accountability.
The project’s major focus is on building sustainable community voices and action related platforms that will work with duty bearers to enable citizens to actively take part in raising community concerns and issues about Access to Information (ATI). There is need to develop/strengthen community level structures that will enhance public accountability and step up the monitoring function of public services. The project will take up initiatives including logistical support towards activating these structures for improved participation of citizens. The project also engages and builds capacity of community leaders in undertaking participatory decision making.
The project puts in place more youth and the public targeted empowerment initiatives and strategies to enable them understand the mechanism for their involvement in government decision making for improvement in responsive and inclusive government decision-making process and service delivery.
This project covers 30 districts divided into 6 clusters
Central I cluster
Wakiso,
Kampala,
Mukono,
Mpigi,
Luweero
Central II cluster
Masaka,
Kyotera,
Rakai,
Bukomansimbi
Sembabule
Western I cluster
Kisoro
Sheema
Buhweju
Rukungiri
Rubirizi
Western II cluster
Kasese
Kamwenge
Kabarole
Kyenjojo
Bundibugyo
Northern cluster
Gulu
Kitgum
Amuru
Pader
Nwoya
Eastern cluster
Mbale
Bududa
Manafwa
Budaka
Butaleja
In line with the activities that were envisaged in the project, a matrix was developed by both DWA and HIM to help track those activities and to ensure that the targeted project beneficiaries are reached and the intended project impact is realized.
Phase one of the project focused on laying a foundation for the project. The planned activities under this period were geared towards developing the interest among journalists in the areas of investigative journalism and digital safety of journalist in 12 districts in the country, plus training of journalists and building an informal network of such journalist and bloggers. To ensure efficient and effective management of the project, phase I also focused on strengthening the HIM structures through enhancing the capacities of the staff for the project and equipment for HIM. One major aspect of this engagement was the developing of the HIM Strategic Plan 2015-2018 which has guided the project activities as well as growth of HIM structures in this project period. Phase 1 activities were conducted in 2015
As part of the project, HIM organized short practical training sessions on various aspects of project planning for its staff in 2015. These were intended to enhance the staff capacity and skills in Project Planning and Management. It was also expected that with such skills and know-how, the staff would more ably impact in rolling out the project and public engagements as they implemented the programme. The skills that the HIM staff got from those and the subsequent training sessions have been very vital pillars for HIM as an organization that have immensely contributed to its growth as it stands now.