The parliamentary committee on commissions, statutory authorities, and state enterprises has taken the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to task over irregularities in its procurement processes.
Officials from the UWA faced intense scrutiny after it was revealed that contracts were awarded to companies without proper due diligence.
The committee members faulted the top leadership of the UWA for flouting procurement procedures and negligence of duty.
One glaring example highlighted by the committee was the procurement of MFI Solutions, which cost taxpayers 180 million shillings.
Despite the hefty price tag, the company failed to deliver the software system it was contracted for.
While it was contracted, no due diligence was made, and they insist that MFI Solutions had turned out as the best bidder.
Additionally, HPR Solutions was hired by UWA for 679 million shillings for the development of a financial reporting system, along with site support worth 198 million shillings.
MPs questioned the rationale behind such substantial payments, especially considering that UWA had already trained its staff on an upgraded software system.
The MPs wondered how the UWA officials could pay huge sums yet they had trained their staff on the upgraded software system.
Despite these revelations, the committee's inquiries extend beyond procurement issues, with pending queries concerning investigations into the fraud of gorilla permits.
The revelations underlined the need for increased oversight and accountability within UWA to ensure the responsible use of taxpayer funds and the effective delivery of services.
