In an effort to promote transparency, accountability, and citizen empowerment, the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) on Thursday, 27th March, 2024 conducted a sensitization meeting on the Access to Information (ATI) Act for its staff members at both Bunda and NRC campuses.

The ATI Act, passed in 2016 and operationalized in 2020, grants citizens the right to access public information, facilitating informed participation in national development and governance. The meeting at NRC campus was officially opened by the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Media, Information and Communications, Hon. Susan Dossi MP, and facilitated by the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC).

Speaking at the event, Hon. Dossi emphasized the critical role of the ATI Act in fostering transparency and accountability. "This Act is not just a legal obligation; it is a fundamental pillar for promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in public services," she said.

Hon. Dossi further highlighted that LUANAR was yet to fully comply with the provisions of the Act, such as the appointment of information officers and the routine disclosure of institutional information.

"People out there have to know what is happening at LUANAR because we are using public funds. They have to know how much projects are costing and what programs are being offered," she stressed.

In his remarks, Principal disability and elderly rights officer for MHRC, Rasford Chilalo praised LUANAR’s efforts in organizing the session but noted that compliance should have been completed within the first year of the Act’s operationalization.

"Transparency and accountability are unattainable without the disclosure of public information," Chilalo stated. He outlined the objectives of the Act, which include ensuring access to information, promoting routine disclosure, protecting whistleblowers, and enhancing civic education on the right to information.

And speaking on behalf of LUANAR Management, College Director for NRC, Dr. Kumambala, reaffirmed the university’s dedication to fulfilling the requirements of the ATI Act and ensuring compliance. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between academia and government in fostering a culture of openness and accessibility to information.
"We look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability as enshrined in the Access to Information Act," he stated.

The sensitization session provided an opportunity for LUANAR staff to gain a deeper understanding of their rights and obligations under the ATI Act. As part of its ongoing commitment, LUANAR plans to implement the necessary provisions for compliance, ensuring that information is readily accessible to the public.