Assessment of the management of casefiles at uganda human rights commission, Kampala Uganda

Abstract

This dissertation is a result of a study on the assessment of the management of case files at Uganda Human Rights Commission. The study assessed the management of case files at Uganda Human Rights Commission and identified the challenges that the Uganda Human Rights Commission faces in relation to managing, keeping and storing of Case Files records. The main purpose of the study was to assess the management of case files in order to identify existing gaps and propose suggestions for best practices in the management of Case Files and facilitate justice. The study objectives were; to find out the types of case files managed at UHRC, to examine the management of case files at UHRC, to find out the benefits of proper management of case files at UHRC, to find out the challenges affecting the management of case files at UHRC, to propose suggestions for the best practices in the management of case files at UHRC. To achieve the above objectives, a qualitative research approach was used and the samples were selected purposively to gather data from the respondents with knowledge about the subject. The methods of data collection in this study were based on interview method, document analysis method and the observation method. The tools used included the interview guide, the observation guide and the document analysis guide. Findings revealed that UHRC still has alot to do to ensure proper management of case files. The challenges faced in the management of Case Files records at UHRC as revealed by the respondents were, absence of a dynamic comprehensive records management program and policy, limited storage and working space, few records management professionals, absence of records retrieval aids and tools. The respondents in their own opinions suggested that, purchase proper backup systems, train all staff on proper legal records management and purchase filing equipment for example box files, shelves which were all suggested to ensure proper legal records storage and retrieval. The researcher therefore recommends designing and implementation of a disaster management and preparedness plan in addition to all the recommendations provided by the respondents.