Guys

I am for the proactive use of FOSS in Government especially in cases
where original development of software solutions using tax payers money
is concerned. However, when we say that NITA should mandate this action
we are in essence barking up the wrong tree. I think it is high time we
learnt to master the art of advocacy. First and foremost, there needs to
be a policy that governs ICT in this country and within that policy, we
can then lobby for such an inclusion (this is done at Parliamentary
level). Once we succed in having it enacted by parliament, then the
implementing body NITA-U has to ensure that it acts according to the
guidelines set through the parliamentary act. 

However, if we are to ever get our voice heard and acted upon, we need
to do some house cleaning as a group. One of the things we lack is a
legally recognised entity that can relate with other entities. For one
to be effective especially involving advocacy with Government, operating
as a loose band of individuals will not achieve much. Some sort of
registered Open Source Association with a clear mandate needs to be in
place to achieve this.
We also need to start identifying champions within the establishment
whom we can use to advance our cause. We used to have Hon. Nkuuhe a
former MP who was pro FOSS and ICT in general. Today, we can win over
the likes of Hon. Baliddawa (Kigulu North), Hon. Nabeta (Jinja
Municipality) among others. While presenting our case in the upcoming
dialogue with NITA-U is vital, I still believe that we shall not achieve
much if we do not revise our strategy.

Otherwise many thanks to those who are trying so hard night and day to
promote the Ugandan LUG. Vass, Kyle etal, God Bless You all.

Wire


On Thu, 2010-12-02 at 08:17 -0500, Mugarura Cavin wrote:

> Lug,
> 
> 
> 
> the National Information Technology Authority (NITA) should have its a
> mandate a modus operandi of ensuring that government agencies use open
> source software within its procurement notices.
> 
> 
> Special permission should be sought in order to procure proprietary
> software, in case where they are no viable OSS alternatives. This
> would be a good cost cutting measure. 
> 
> 
> Non profits and private companies, can continue using proprietary
> software, i wouldnt lose sleep over that
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> LUG mailing list
> [email protected]
> http://kym.net/mailman/listinfo/lug
> 
> To unsubscribe http://kym.net/mailman/options/lug
> 
> LUG is generously hosted by INFOCOM http://www.infocom.co.ug/
> 
> All Archives can be found at http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/
> 
> The above comments and data are owned by whoever posted them (including 
> attachments if any). The List's Host is not responsible for them in any way.
> ---------------------------------------
> 
_______________________________________________
LUG mailing list
[email protected]
http://kym.net/mailman/listinfo/lug

To unsubscribe http://kym.net/mailman/options/lug

LUG is generously hosted by INFOCOM http://www.infocom.co.ug/

All Archives can be found at http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/

The above comments and data are owned by whoever posted them (including 
attachments if any). The List's Host is not responsible for them in any way.
---------------------------------------

Reply via email to