Kigezi sub-region is embracing the recently established regulations under the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) Act of 2023. This optimism emerged during a two-day regional workshop held at Bunyonyi Safaris Hotel in Kabale.
The event, organized by the PPDA Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Electronic Government Procurement (EGP), aimed to educate stakeholders about the new guidelines.
The PPDA Act, enacted in 2003 to regulate public procurement and asset disposal, underwent amendments in 2011 and 2021. The latest changes, effective July 1, 2021, aim to enhance transparency and efficiency. These include streamlining the administrative review process, reserving opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and incorporating sustainable practices.
Following consultations, new regulations were gazetted in December 2023 and implemented across government agencies in February 2024. Their objectives include harmonizing regulations for both central and local governments, reducing procurement lead times, promoting sustainability, and simplifying procedures to cut costs while maintaining quality standards.
Ronald Bakak, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Kabale, emphasized the importance of adhering to these regulations, stating that they address "significant challenges within the procurement process."
Robert Kakuru Byamugisha, the Executive Director of Kick Corruption out of Uganda (KICK-U), highlighted the need for improved policies and collaboration between the government and civil society for effective implementation.
Moses Ojambo, representing the PPDA Executive Director, explained that the new regulations encompass amendments, revocations, and new provisions across various categories, including procurement, disposal, evaluation, contracts, and administrative review. He added that these policies "will improve and give better guidance to the procurement planning and negotiation processes."
The positive reception of the new PPDA regulations reflects a shared expectation for improved transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity in Uganda's public procurement and asset disposal processes.