The Role of Archives in Promoting Transparency and Access to Information: A Case Study of the National Records Centre and Archives (NRCA) of Uganda

Archives play a critical role in supporting transparency, accountability, and access to information in democratic societies. This study examines the role of archives in promoting transparency and access to information, using the National Records Centre and Archives (NRCA) of Uganda as a case study. A qualitative case study design was adopted, and data was collected through semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and direct observation of NRCA operations. The findings indicate that the NRCA contributes significantly to the preservation of public records, supports citizens’ access to government information, and enhances institutional accountability. However, the study also identifies key challenges, including limited financial resources, inadequate information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, low public awareness, and slow digitisation of records. The study concludes that strengthening archival capacity, improving policy enforcement, and investing in digital technologies are essential for enhancing transparency and access to information in Uganda