The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) has attained international ISO certification in recognition of its excellence in ICT service delivery, information security and quality management.
The certification places the Authority among institutions worldwide that meet internationally approved standards for safeguarding information, improving operational efficiency and enhancing service delivery.
PPDA marked the achievement during an ISO Certification Handover Ceremony attended by government officials, development partners and stakeholders in the procurement sector.
The event was presided over by the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Justine Kasule Lumumba, who served as the Guest of Honour.
Lumumba urged government institutions to embrace internationally recognised standards and fully utilise the newly established public procurement portal to improve transparency and efficiency in public service delivery.
“Public procurement handles vast amounts of sensitive data, financial information, supplier records, digital documents and contract details. Protecting this information is critical to ensuring transparency, fairness, accountability and value for money,” she said.
The minister commended PPDA for attaining the certification and called upon other public institutions to adopt similar best practices in procurement management and service delivery.
PPDA Executive Director Benson Turamye said the Authority's new Public Procurement Portal is designed to strengthen disclosure, transparency and public oversight in government procurement processes.
According to Turamye, the platform promotes the involvement of the media and civil society organisations while enhancing access to procurement information.
“It will manage public procurement valued at 18 per cent of the country's GDP, enable agencies to search for market prices for various products, and fully support the Open Contracting Data Standard,” he said.
Officials said the certification and digital reforms are expected to strengthen confidence in Uganda's public procurement system by improving data security, reducing inefficiencies and promoting greater accountability in the management of public resources.
The development comes as government continues to accelerate digital transformation across public institutions to improve service delivery and enhance transparency in the use of public funds.