KABALE: Authorities and residents in the Kigezi Sub-region are expressing optimism about the newly established regulations under the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) Act of 2023.
This sentiment was shared during a two-day Regional Dissemination of the regulations held at Bunyonyi Safaris Hotel in Kabale. Organized by the PPDA Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development and the Electronic Government Procurement (EGP), the event brought together stakeholders to familiarize themselves with and embrace the new guidelines.
Originally enacted in 2003 to regulate public procurement and asset disposal in Uganda, the PPDA Act has undergone amendments in 2011 and 2021. The most recent amendment in 2021, effective from July 1, 2021, introduced significant changes aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in the procurement process. Key provisions include the reduction of tiers in the Administrative Review process, the reservation of procurement opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and the integration of sustainable procurement practices.
After extensive consultations, new regulations were developed and gazetted on December 8, 2023, with implementation across all government agencies commencing on February 5, 2024. These regulations aim to harmonize PPDA regulations for both Central Government and Local Government Entities, streamline procurement processes to reduce lead times, promote sustainable procurement practices, and simplify procurement procedures to reduce costs while maintaining quality standards.
During the dissemination event, Ronald Bakak, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Kabale, emphasized the importance of adhering to the new regulations among technocrats. He noted that the previous regulations had numerous deficiencies, but the revisions address significant challenges within the procurement process.
CUE IN DRDC BAKAK…ON NEW REGGULATIONS……ENG//
Robert Kakuru Byamugisha, the Executive Director of Kick Corruption out of Uganda (KICK-U), highlighted that improved policies and collaboration between the government and civil society would enhance the implementation of procurement procedures.
CUE IN KAKURU…ON POLICIES…..RR/ENG//
Moses Ojambo, a senior manager for Performance Monitoring at PPDA, representing the PPDA Executive Director, explained that the PPDA Regulations of 2023 encompass amendments, revocations, retentions, and new provisions across various categories, including procurement, disposal, evaluation, contracts, and administrative review.
Ojambo further stated that the new policies will improve and provide better guidance to the procurement planning and negotiation processes.
CUE IN OJAMBO….ON BIDDER INVOLVEMENT…..LUG/ENG//
