No more use of govt documents to wrap 'Rolex' - minister
Sep 29, 2016
The sh20b facility will foster government’s efforts to improve accountability, transparency, good governance and democracy
Minister David Karubanga (L) and acting government archivist Justine Lukwago (C) look on as Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda displays a copy of the Ankole Agreements during the commissioning of the National Records Centre and Archives building. Photo by Roderick Ahimbazwe
The days when important government records and documents would be deposed off carelessly are in the past according to David Karubanga the State Minister of Public Service.
"In the 1970s, confidential government records could be found in markets used for wrapping merchandize. I am happy to inform you that government now attaches great importance to information and that has stopped," he said.
Karubanga made the statements on Thursday at the commissioning of the sh20b National Records Centre and Archives (NRCA), which is located along Lourdel Road next to the Ministry of Health headquarters.
"You will never see our rolexes with confidential government information."
The facility will be used to keep historical records to Uganda such as the 1900 Buganda Agreement, commissioners of the protectorate Uganda among others. All government records are also housed in this facility.
Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda officially commissioned the sh20b building. He said the facility will foster government's efforts to improve accountability, transparency, good governance and democracy.
"The facility will be the country's centre for posterity, national heritage which will be utilized by national and international scholars, historians, researchers and citizens."
Catherine Bitarakwate Musingwiire, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service explained why the facility was long overdue.
"This facility is expected to enhance decongestion of registries and effective access of records and archives in an economical and secure place."
Before completion of the civil works on this building last year and the subsequent transfer of documents into it in November last year, national records were kept up in the basement of a former colonial administration building in Entebbe, at the present day National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) Secretariat.