SECTION V: CIVIL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS 5.0 The Right to Name and Nationality (Article 6) Article 18 of the Constitution provides for registration of every birth. The Birth and Death Registration Act also provides for the registration of births and deaths before the elapse of six months. During the years of political turmoil and mismanagement, mechanisms for registration of births and deaths were run down. The practice and requirement for registration is lax. However, today Government in collaboration with UNICEF and other partners are making efforts to revitalise the process of registration of births and deaths nationally. Issues of name and identify are provided for in the Uganda Constitution and the Children Act. The Constitution specifies who a citizen of Uganda is by birth and by registration. Article 11 of the Constitution provides that a child of not more than five years of age found in Uganda, whose parents are not known, shall be presumed to be a citizen of Uganda by birth. It also provides for adoption of children both by non-Ugandan citizens. It states that a child under the age of 18 years neither of whose parents is a citizen of Uganda, who is adopted by a citizen of Uganda shall on application be recognised as a citizen of Uganda. 5.1 Preservation of Identify In line with Article 6 (4) of the ACRWC, the Children Act provides for the right of a child to know the identity of both parents and guides on separation. Where the child is deprived of his identity through denial of parentage, if evidence of parentage is established this ensures that the child belongs to the clan and can inherit the property of a declared parent (Part IX of the Children Act). The Act also guides on issues of adoption where the child preserves his/her name and religion and in addition are allowed to be shown to their biological parents when the child is of age, and if the parents are known and are still alive. 5.2 Freedom of Expression (Articles 7 of the ACRWC) Freedom of speech7 and the right to access to information8 are provided for in the Constitution and further articulated in the Access to information law. The liberalisation of the media also provides opportunity for children to express their views beyond the confines of the family. The media has provided children with an opportunity to express their views on various issues of interest to them. Almost all the print and electronic media have provision for children to express their views. Leading newspapers have weekly column specially reserved for children. Radio and television stations also have programmes for children; these are presented by the children. The government newspaper, the New Vision runs a monthly pull out entitled „‟Young Talk‟‟ in which children discuss issues that are of interest and relevance to them. „‟Young Talk‟‟ is widely distributed all over the country. However, the variety, quality and appropriateness of some of these media programmes available to children are still a challenge. At a higher level, on an annual basis, children, at district level participate in the international day of broadcasting. The winning teams get trophies and other presents. This is not only empowering but also trains children for competition where there is winning and losing. This approach is spearheaded by UNICEF. Children are free to join associations and participate in peaceful assembly. Many schools in Uganda today have established debating clubs and child rights clubs, which provide children with an opportunity to access 7 8 Article 29 Article 41 16