Kampala, Uganda – The Institute of Procurement Professionals of Uganda (IPPU) on September 6, 2024 hosted its 8th Annual Procurement Summit at Hotel Africana in Kampala, under the theme: Leveraging the Procurement and Supply Chain Ecosystem for Social Economic Transformation.’ Over 300 procurement professionals attended the summit, which aimed to promote professionalism in procurement and supply chain management.
In his opening remarks, IPPU Council Chairperson. Dr. Bategeka Kabagambe Levi acknowledged the government’s commitment to strengthening the procurement ecosystem through public sector procurement reforms. He highlighted the establishment of the Institute of Procurement and Supply Chain Management and the drafting of the Procurement and Supply Chain Management Professionals Bill 2024.
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender and Social Development, Aggrey Kibenge, emphasised the importance of embedding sustainability criteria into procurement decisions. He also argues that this approach ensures environmentally responsible supply chains while reducing carbon footprints, and promoting renewable resources.
The Keynote speaker, Mr. Lawrence Semakula, Uganda’s Accountant General, discussed public financial management reforms’ impact on efficiency, transparency, and accountability. He cited the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) Assessment 2023, which confirmed Uganda’s solid foundation in public financial management.
Despite progress, challenges still persist. Corruption and procurement bad practices are hindering effective procurement. It should be noted that the Methodology for Assessing Procurement Systems (MAPS) assessment identified weaknesses, including inadequate capacity building and strategic procurement planning.
To address these challenges, the government has implemented reforms. The amended PPDA Act of 2003 and the Procurement and Supply Chain Management Professionals Bill 2024 which aim to improve procurement practices. Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (Planning) Hon. Amos Lugoloobi emphasised use of procurement as a tool for social and economic transformation for both the public and private sector.
To-date, the government’s investment in economic and social infrastructure has delivered high-value and complex infrastructure projects. Therefore, implementing competence trainings will assist procurement officers in acquiring skills for strategic procurement planning, risk management, and supplier performance management.
The Executive Director of Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority, Mr. Benson Turamye said that the National Public Sector Procurement Policy, approved by Cabinet in 2019, introduced a paradigm shift in viewing public sector procurement as a strategic function.
“Public sector procurement accounts for close to 60% of government spending, holding tremendous potential to drive social economic transformation,” he stated.
Uganda’s economy has remained resilient, growing at 6% in FY 2023/2024 and the government is planning to embark on NDP-IV, aiming to achieve higher household incomes and employment for sustainable socio-economic transformation.
In conclusion, the 8th Annual Procurement Summit emphasised the critical role of procurement in driving social economic transformation in Uganda. By leveraging the procurement and supply chain ecosystem, the government aims to achieve sustainable development and inclusive growth. The summit’s outcomes and recommendations will as well inform the implementation of NDP-IV and the National Public Sector Procurement Policy, ensuring that procurement is used as a strategic tool for Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
