Uganda's national archives in crisis: Microfilm failures threaten historical access

KAMPALA - Since gaining independence in 1962, Uganda's national archives have faced numerous challenges, with the current most pressing issue being the breakdown of microfilms and related equipment. 

These microfilms, procured from the United Kingdom, contain invaluable historical information about Uganda but are currently inaccessible to researchers due to their malfunctioning state.

Microfilms serve as a means of preserving fragile historical documents by reducing them to a smaller size through micro-photography, which allows rare books, newspapers, and other periodicals to be maintained on rolls of plastic film.

However, Uganda’s archives suffer from both institutional and technical deficits, compounded by a reliance on oral heritage and tradition.

Justine Nalwoga, the Assistant Commissioner for Archival Services at the Ministry of Public Service, emphasized the poor condition of the archives. “While the microfilms hold valuable information, they are currently unusable. We urgently need a digital project to preserve our archives for future generations,” Nalwoga said.

Accessing these archives costs $300 (sh1.1m) for foreign researchers, a fee some consider exorbitant. Lillian Ariso, the commissioner of Records and Information Management, highlighted the struggles faced in human resources and funding for effective archival management.

Ariso pointed out the necessity of professionalizing the sector, including training staff and improving qualifications and curricula, noting that low morale among employees is a significant barrier.

“The general attitude towards the job is concerning,” Ariso remarked. She mentioned that many records stored at the district level are neglected and dusty.

She expressed regret that the archiving function has not been prioritized by the government, leading to budget allocations being redirected for travel expenses.

Consequently, some personnel files are missing, resulting in audit queries. A uniform system of records and archives across the government remains elusive due to a lack of mentorship.

Members of the public view some of Uganda’s artifacts on display from the Uganda Museum during the exhibition held the "Archiving, Memory, and Method from the Global South" conference at Makerere University. (Credit: John Odyek)

Ariso called for bankable projects to enhance the archiving system, lamenting that digitization efforts have progressed slowly due to insufficient resources.

She noted that many African countries share similar challenges in managing and modernizing their archive systems.

These discussions took place during the "Archiving, Memory, and Method from the Global South" conference, a three-day international event held from October 17-19, 2024, at Makerere University’s Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium.

This event was organized by Makerere University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences in partnership with the Mellon Foundation, which is funding a three-year project exploring the intersection of archives, communities, institutions, and academia.
Julius Mucunguzi, Head of Public Relations and Spokesperson for the Electoral Commission, also addressed the importance of archiving.

He acknowledged that while the Commission has extensive records, there is a pressing need to determine how these can be effectively archived and made accessible to the public.

Mucunguzi pointed out that the term "archives" often carries connotations of outdated information.

He stressed the need to engage younger generations, who are more attuned to digital tools, by utilizing technology such as mobile phones, laptops, and computers.

“Interest in archives should serve a greater purpose. People must recognize the importance of preserving records, rather than viewing them as mere remnants of history. By linking archives to the needs of today’s generation, we can ensure that the past is preserved while modernizing our future,” Mucunguzi explained.

The conference concluded with remarks from Makerere faculty members Prof. Eric Awich Ochen, Prof. Josephine Ahikire, and Dr. Charlotte Karungi Mafumbo, followed by a traditional dance performance by the Muwogola Dance Group from Buganda.