U.S. Mission Uganda Supports Technology Expo to Boost Citizen Participation in Governance

Participants at the Technology for Social Accountability Expo go through exhibited items at the Mission Uganda booth, where we showcased our social media platform and Information Resource Center services

On Saturday May 21, U.S. Mission Uganda took part in the Technology for Social Accountability Exposition, which was organised to promote the benefits of citizen participation in good governance. The U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, and its partners, the National Democratic Institute and the International Republican Institute, supported the exposition.

The exposition was designed to democratize access to information, empower civil society to use technology for better delivery of services, and to enable the public to hold government officials accountable. The speakers focused on four interlinking themes: Emerging Good Governance Applications, Civic Education and Organizing through Technology, Citizen Participation through Mobile Technology, and Technology's Impact on Journalism.

According to Andrew Colburn, USAID Democracy and Governance Officer, Ugandans are stepping forward and taking advantage of new technologies to enhance transparency in the elections. Andrew emphasized that, "this exposition builds on the need for continued innovative solutions and facilitates discussion on how best to use them to increase citizens' participation in the democratic process."

The event attracted social activists, civic groups, political leaders, government officials, development partners, and journalists. Participants interacted with exhibitors to discuss new technologies and approaches that promote transparency in legislative functions and processes, including monitoring elections. They learned about budget-making and policy processes, advancements in social media, and strengthening participation in government programs.

The overall goal of the expo was to showcase the knowledge and insight needed to effectively determine and procure appropriate tools and techniques to advance multi-party democracy in Uganda.