Developing an archival classification scheme for Uganda Railway Corporation

Abstract

This study intended to develop an Archival Classification scheme for the Uganda Railway Corporation. It was conducted for a period of five months from July 2022 to November 2022. The objectives of the project were to: Examine how Archival Records are classified at the Uganda Railway Corporation; Determine the challenges they face in organizing Archival Records at the Uganda Railway Corporation and Develop an Archival classification scheme for the Uganda Railway in order to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in the management of Archival Records. The study adopted a qualitative approach. Data was collected using a documentary review guide and face-to-face oral interviews. A purposive sampling method was adopted to identify key informants who were interviewed. These also directed the researcher to other knowledgeable informants. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and deep chronological assessment. Findings indicate that the subject based classification scheme is commonly used at the Uganda Railway Corporation, where files are organized alphabetically, subject-based, numerical, geographically as well as chronologically. It also revealed the different equipment used for organization and management of the Archival Records which included Filing Cabinet, Steel Cabinet, Date Stamp, Register, Filing shelves, Box file, Clip folders, Folders Suspension file and Box files Lever arch files . Finally, the study developed a function-based classification scheme and this will ensure effective organization of the Archival Records. The activity descriptor was also created and attached as tool for classification.