The government of Uganda has launched a new set of regulations that will guide public procurement and disposal of public assets.
The Executive Director of PPDA Uganda, Benson Turamye, said that the PPDA Regulations 2023 focus on harmonization, efficiency, sustainability, and simplicity in public procurement processes.
He said that the new regulations include procurement planning and negotiations, adding transparency and structure to the procurement process.
“The Regulations we are launching today are focusing on; Harmonising PPDA regulation for Central and Local Government, promoting use of procurement as a social-economic tool and simplifying procurement and reducing the cost of doing business,” he said at the launch in Kampala on Thursday.
“Others are; creating efficiency in the procurement process through reduction of procurement lead times and providing PDEs sourcing for equipment directly from manufacturers. (Aviation equipment, medical equipment and agricultural and industrial equipment),” he added.
Effective 5th Feb, 2024, the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets system in Uganda shall be conducted in accordance with the PPDA Act 2003 and the PPDA Regulations 2023, as amended and retained PPDA regulations 2014.
Mr Turamye said sustainable public procurement takes centre stage as a result of the amendments, emphasizing environmental, social, and health safeguards (ESHS), he said.
“The government amended, revoked, and retained various PPDA regulations to streamline and modernize public procurement practices. The PPDA (Amendment) Act, 2021 streamlines administrative review to two tiers. Bidders now appeal to the Accounting Officer and the PPDA Appeals Tribunal,” he said.
The amended regulations in the 7 categories include: the PPDA (Procuring and Disposing Entities) Regulations, 2023 and the PPDA (Rules and Methods for Procurement of Supplies, Works and Non-Consultancy Services) Regulations, 2023.
Mr Turamye said the bidding period for open domestic bidding has been reduced from 21 days to 15 days. International bidding from 31 days to 20 days so that we can catch up on efficiency.
“I want to call upon everybody to be ambassadors for dissemination of these regulations and we believe that when these regulations are effected starting 5th February, we are set,” he said
Launching the PPDA Regulations 2023 on Thursday at Hotel Africana, Minister of State for General Duties Henry Musasizi expressed gratitude, pointing out that this new set of regulations addresses some of the concerns of President Kaguta Museveni.
The new PPDA regulations 2023 have provisions that will facilitate direct procurement from manufacturers of aviation, industrial, agricultural and medical equipment, in addition to allowing use of own resources for public works under force account mechanism.
He urged all procuring and disposing entities as well as the business community to embrace these regulations.
Secretary to the Treasury Ramathan Ggoobi said the PPDA Regulations 2023 mark a crucial milestone in the ongoing efforts to public sector reforms to enhance transparency, accountability and efficiency in public procurement & disposal processes.
“By adhering to the PPDA Regulations, we can instill confidence in the public that their hard-earned money is being utilized efficiently & effectively,” he said.
He said the success of these regulations lies in effective implementation and compliance by all stakeholders involved in the procurement and disposal chain.
“Let’s work together to change the face of procurement. Adherence to these regulations is crucial. Accounting officers and all stakeholders, let’s ensure strict compliance for the benefit of timely, efficient, and value-driven procurement.”
“The Ministry of Finance must play a pivotal role in facilitating change management for these regulations. Ensuring all stakeholders, including local governments, apply the same set of regulations is key for uniformity and success.”
