| dc.description.abstract | This research project delves into the critical issue of records retention and disposal practices within the specific context of Uganda Development Cooperation (UDC). The objectives of the study were: to find out the different types of records generated and managed at UDC; to examine the current disposition procedures followed at UDC; to find out the challenges encountered in the retention and disposition of records at UDC; to develop an effective Records Retention and Disposition Plan for UDC; and to develop guidelines for the secure disposal of records that have exceeded their retention period. The study was based on a case study design and conducted using a qualitative research approach, data was gathered from a sample of 5 respondents selected purposively from the study participants using an interview guide, observation guide, and document analysis guide. The study found that the types of records generated and managed at UDC included administrative records e.g. correspondences, financial records e.g. receipts, personnel records e.g. employee appointment letters and contracts, and legal records e.g. case files and agreements. The study also found that there were no clear guidelines and procedures followed in the disposition of records which resulted in the misallocation of records, premature destruction of records, and outsourcing a commercial company (RIM Uganda) to help them in the disposition process which escalated the costs incurred in the disposition process. In addition, UDC also experiences challenges such as lack of a records retention and disposition policy, inadequate funding towards the disposition process, unclear classification scheme used, lack of inventory of the records housed, and inadequate skills possessed by staff.
The study proposed some solutions to confine the challenges experienced and these include; training records management staff, provision of adequate funds, development of a records retention and disposition policy, and use of a standardised classification system. Thus the study results enriched us with information that we used to develop disposition guidelines that consist of well-established procedures that will facilitate the efficient and effective disposal of records at UDC. | en_US |
