The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) has attained ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification under the Uganda Digital Acceleration Project (UDAP), marking a significant milestone in strengthening information security across Uganda’s public sector.
The internationally recognised certification, supported by the National Information Technology Authority–Uganda (NITA-U) under the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, confirms that PPDA has implemented a robust Information Security Management System aligned with global best practices.
The certification places PPDA among leading government institutions advancing digital transformation, particularly in securing procurement systems that process large volumes of sensitive public financial data.
Speaking at the certification handover ceremony, Minister of ICT and National Guidance Justine Lumumba described the achievement as a major step forward in Uganda’s digital transformation and cybersecurity agenda.
“This certification is a key milestone in our Digital Transformation Roadmap. It strengthens our cybersecurity posture and ensures that government systems are trusted, secure, and aligned to international standards,” Lumumba said.
She emphasized that strengthening digital trust within government institutions is critical for improving efficiency, accountability, and service delivery in the public sector.
The Uganda Digital Acceleration Project, under which the certification was awarded, is part of government’s broader effort to modernise digital infrastructure and enhance service delivery across ministries, departments, and agencies.
PPDA Executive Director welcomed the certification, saying it represents a major step in strengthening institutional governance and safeguarding procurement information.
“Achieving ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification is a significant milestone for PPDA. It demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding procurement data and ensuring that our systems meet the highest standards of information security,” the Executive Director said.
He noted that being the first among selected government entities to attain the certification reflects PPDA’s leadership in digital compliance and procurement reform.
“This recognition underscores our commitment to transparency, accountability, and secure digital transformation within the public procurement process,” he added.
The certification is expected to enhance the integrity of procurement systems, reduce exposure to cyber risks, and strengthen public confidence in government contracting processes, which account for a substantial share of public expenditure.
NITA-U Executive Director commended PPDA for setting the pace in adopting international information security standards across government institutions.
“PPDA has demonstrated strong leadership in embracing digital transformation. This certification sets an important benchmark for other government entities under the Uganda Digital Acceleration Project,” the NITA-U Executive Director said.
He urged other institutions to accelerate efforts toward similar certifications to strengthen the overall cybersecurity framework within the public sector.
The development aligns with Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy, which seeks to expand the economy from about US$50 billion in 2023 to US$500 billion by 2040. Under this strategy, public procurement is viewed as a key driver of economic transformation, enabling efficient budget implementation and delivery of essential public services.
Officials say secure and efficient procurement systems are vital for improving budget execution, reducing wastage, accelerating project delivery, and enhancing value for money in public investment.
As Uganda advances its digital transformation agenda, PPDA’s certification is being viewed as a model for other institutions seeking to improve data security, strengthen governance systems, and build public trust in digital government services.
The achievement underscores the growing importance of cybersecurity in public administration and signals continued investment in secure digital infrastructure as Uganda expands its digital economy ambitions.