Challenges of Information and Communication Technology usage and accessibility in managing public sector records in Local Governments in Uganda

Abstract

For most developing countries, and more specifically African countries, the experience in the application of information and communication technology (ICT) to harness knowledge-based economies is still challenging. Hence, this article examines the challenges of ICT accessibility and usage in managing records in local governments (LGs) in Uganda that has abetted inefficient records management practices. The research design was mainly quantitative, and used a structured questionnaire together with interview and observation guides. The study was conducted in three districts and the line Ministry of Local Government. Of the 108 respondents sampled using simple random as well as probability sampling methods, 84 people participated, representing 77.7% response rate. The results indicate a negative but statistical significant relationship (-.394**) between the challenges of usage of ICTs and Records Management Practices (RMPs); and a negative but statistical not significant relationship (-.108) between the challenges of ICT accessibility and RMPs. This implies that more focus is required on continuous ICT training for LG records staff in appropriate skills and programmes availed to ensure optimal usage of the existing ICT infrastructure to enhance proper RMPs. Even if the relationship between the challenges of accessibility of ICT infrastructure and RMPs was not statistically significant, the infrastructure should be availed and continuously upgraded to avoid obsolescence and inaccessibility to enhance proper RMPs in the LGs.