ULIA conducts inaugural International Advocacy Program (IAP) workshop

The Uganda Library and Information Association (ULIA) has held its inaugural workshop for the International Federation of the Library and Information Institutions (IFLA)'s International Advocacy Programe (IAP) at the Uganda Christian University, in Mbale, from 24th to 26th July 2017.

The IAP is IFLA's a "new capacity-building programme designed to promote and support the role libraries can play in the planning and implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda and the SDGs".

The inaugural IAP workshop attracted fifty participants from: Kumi University, Mbale School of Hygiene, Uganda Technical College-Elgon, St. Aloysuis CPTC, Mbale SS, Pallisa Public Library, Kapyoyon High School, Busitema Uiversity, UCC-Soroti, IUIU Mbale, Wiggins Sec School, Masaba SS, UCU-Mbale, Soroti Public Library, Busia Public Library, Kamuli Public Library, Mbale Public Library, Nambi Sseppunya Community Resource Centre, Tororo Public Library, Busolwe Public Library, DWW Children Library and Resource Centre, UTC-Elgon, Uganda Christian University, MUC and Mbale District Local Government. 

Group photo of some of the participants

The workshop was officially opened by the Mbale LC5 Chairperson Mr. Mujasi.  The veteran politician emphasized the importance of identifying problems of the communities we are meant to serve and be able to provide adequate solutions to these problems.  His office pledged to support the advocacy activities from the librarians as well as supporting the development of the library sector within Mbale district. 

Dr. Steven Mungoma addressing participants

Dr. Steven Mungoma the Principal, Uganda Christian University Mbale Campus noted the importance of reading, the value of librarians and the librarians’ roles in changing the mind-sets and supporting the realization of the SDGs.

ULIA President Dr Sarah Kaddu was present and gave an overview of the inaugural IAP workshop. Dr.Kaddu said “We will ensure that the International Advocacy Programme gives the library sector the capacity to create and promote a favorable policy framework for valued library services to the community, establish and implement regional and national action agendas, and build advocacy skills in Uganda".

Sarah Kaddu, who also doubles as the IFLA IAP Trainer, spoke on advocacy and lobbying, the advocacy planning cycle, developing an advocacy plan to support the UN 2030 Agenda and identifying programmes to support SDGs among other issues.

Group discussion

The workshop was also attended by Ms. Gertrude Kayaga Mulindwa, the Africa Advocacy Chair who spoke on the UN 2030 Agenda, Uganda’s vision 2040 and the Development Agenda, and the role of Libraries in the UN 2030 Development Agenda.

The Overall Workshop Coordinator Ms. Winny Nekesa-Akullo said the workshop was very practical. Winny noted that at the end of the three days, participants had drafted their Advocacy plans to share with their institutions and policy makers.

The Eastern Region Workshop was well attended and supported by both the academics and political leaders in Mbale. The librarians promised to advocate for their library programmes and the UN 200 Agenda and the SDGs.