Advocacy and policy

Advocacy and Policy

The Uganda Library and Information Association (ULIA) serves as the national professional voice for librarians and information professionals in Uganda. Through advocacy and policy engagement, ULIA promotes an enabling environment for access to information, cultural heritage preservation, education, research, and lifelong learning.

ULIA works to influence policies, laws, and institutional frameworks that affect libraries, archives, information services, and knowledge systems at local, national, and international levels.

 

2. Policy Priorities

ULIA’s Policy Focus

ULIA’s advocacy efforts focus on policies that:

  • Strengthen libraries and information institutions
  • Promote equitable access to information
  • Support digital transformation and innovation
  • Protect cultural and documentary heritage
  • Advance professional recognition and development

 

3. ULIA Advocacy Areas

Key Areas of Engagement

ULIA advocates for progress in the following areas:

Access to Information
Promoting policies that guarantee free, equitable, and inclusive access to information for all.

Library and Information Services Development
Advocating for sustainable funding, infrastructure, and staffing for libraries and information centres.

Digital Transformation and Innovation
Supporting policies that expand digital access, institutional repositories, and digital literacy.

Cultural Heritage and Indigenous Knowledge
Promoting protection, preservation, and ethical access to cultural and indigenous knowledge resources.

Copyright and Intellectual Property
Advocating for balanced copyright frameworks that support education, research, and public interest.

 

4. Legislative Engagement

Working with Law and Policy Makers

ULIA engages with:

  • Government ministries and agencies
  • Parliament and legislative bodies
  • Local government authorities
  • Regulatory and standards institutions

Through consultations, policy submissions, and stakeholder dialogues, ULIA represents the interests of libraries and information professionals.

 

5. National and Global Frameworks

Aligning with Recognized Standards

ULIA aligns its advocacy with national, regional, and global frameworks, including:

  • Uganda’s national development policies
  • Education, health, and ICT strategies
  • Regional information and knowledge initiatives
  • International library and information standards

 

6. Position Statements

ULIA Policy Positions

ULIA develops position statements to guide advocacy and professional practice on key issues affecting the library and information sector. These statements reflect professional values, evidence-based practice, and national priorities.

(This section can later host downloadable policy statements and briefs.)

 

7. Policy Resources

Tools for Advocacy

ULIA provides and promotes access to:

  • Policy briefs and discussion papers
  • Advocacy toolkits
  • Research evidence and statistics
  • Guidelines for engaging decision-makers

 

8. Get Involved

Join ULIA’s Advocacy Efforts

Members and partners are encouraged to:

  • Participate in policy consultations
  • Contribute research and evidence
  • Support advocacy campaigns
  • Engage with decision-makers at all levels