PPDA reforms to strengthen value for money in government procurement

The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has pledged support for reforms at the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) aimed at improving accountability, transparency and value for money in government spending.

The commitment was made by the Minister of State for General Duties, Cissy Mulondo, during a meeting with the PPDA Board and Management led by Board Chairperson Julius Ishungisa and Executive Director Canon Benson Turamye

Mulondo assured the Authority that her supervision would respect PPDA’s independence as a regulator, noting that the institution must have the freedom to enforce procurement standards and take action against public entities that fail to comply with the law.

“PPDA must remain accountable for results, fairness, and integrity within its own operations,” Mulondo said.

She emphasised that PPDA plays a critical role in ensuring that public resources are used to acquire quality goods and services, in the right quantities, at the right cost and within the required timelines.

The minister linked PPDA’s mandate to the Charter for Fiscal Responsibility, which requires the government to manage public resources sustainably, transparently, and with a focus on long-term value.

She further pledged to support PPDA’s reform and digitalisation agenda before Cabinet and Parliament, saying modernising the procurement system is essential to improving public expenditure management.

PPDA Board Chairperson Julius Ishungisa said the Authority is implementing several reforms aimed at making government procurement faster, more transparent, accountable, and aligned with Uganda’s development priorities.

The reforms include reviewing the procurement law, expanding the Electronic Government Procurement System (eGP), strengthening contract management and oversight, improving the capacity of procurement institutions, promoting local industries and ensuring public entities achieve value for money.

The eGP system is expected to reduce dependence on slow paper-based procurement processes by shifting government procurement to a more efficient and transparent digital platform.

PPDA said the upgraded eGP system will soon be rolled out to 100 government entities, increasing the use of technology in procurement and strengthening monitoring of public expenditure.

According to the Authority, more than 60 per cent of Uganda’s national budget is spent through procurement of works, goods, and services, making the procurement system a key driver of public investment.

Major sectors affected by government procurement include roads, bridges, electricity projects, dams, irrigation schemes, schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure developments.

The ongoing reforms are expected to improve efficiency in public spending, reduce procurement delays, and strengthen accountability across government institutions.

For businesses and local manufacturers, the changes could create more opportunities to participate in government supply chains as PPDA promotes increased involvement of local industries.

The Authority also expects stronger contract management and oversight systems to help public institutions ensure that projects and supplies are delivered according to agreed standards, costs, and timelines.

The engagement between the minister and PPDA leadership comes as Uganda continues efforts to enhance efficiency and accountability in public resource management, with procurement remaining one of the largest channels through which government expenditure impacts the economy.