Assessing digitization of personnel records in Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) registry

Abstract

The study entirely aimed at assessing digitization of personnel records in Uganda Peoples‘ Defence Forces UPDF) registry. The objectives of the study were to find out the types of records in the UPDF registry, to ascertain the current status of digitization at UPDF registry, to find out challenges associated with digitization of personnel records at UPDF registry and to recommend best practices of digitizing personnel records at UPDF registry. Solutions to challenges were provided created records. Data collection methods used was; interviews, observation and document analysis. Qualitative research designs were used. The researcher carried out the literature review to establish the existing gap. The findings of the study indicated that that Uganda Peoples‘ Defense Forces started digitizing personnel record and that the selected material under digitization is the personnel files. The research indicates that though this is being done, the process is faced by challenges such as; lack of enough skilled Clerical man power, digitization system breakdown, lack of standby alternative power source, lack of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, budget constraints, lack of burglar proofs etc. The research contains recommendations that are intended to improve the digitization of personnel records in the UPDF registry in particular and digitization of records in general. Among the recommendations therein, is the digitization policy and guideline followed during and after digitizing records and the standards that should be adhered to during the digitization process.