How efficient procurement processes are key to Uganda’s development

What the report says

Uganda’s Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) and Uganda Development Bank (UDB) used a suppliers’ forum in Kampala to argue that procurement should be treated as a tool for economic transformation rather than only an administrative requirement. The event, held at Four Points by Sheraton under the theme of strengthening supplier engagement for sustainable development, brought together procurement officials, suppliers and industry experts to discuss how public spending can better support local businesses and communities.

PPDA Executive Director Benson Turamye said Uganda’s broader growth ambitions will depend not just on the amount of public investment, but on whether that spending creates opportunities for Ugandan firms, workers and communities. He also pointed to the need for local content in procurement, and criticized projects that deliver infrastructure without considering long-term effects on nearby communities.

UDB Managing Director Patricia Ojangole said the bank views suppliers as strategic partners whose performance affects its ability to support enterprise growth and improve livelihoods. She said effective procurement can strengthen local value chains, promote enterprise development and encourage responsible private sector participation. The forum also aimed to improve bidder responsiveness, inclusivity and sustainability in UDB’s procurement processes.

The report noted that procurement is a major part of Uganda’s public spending, with a large share of the national budget flowing through contracts for goods, works and services. More broadly, the article said African procurement practices are being shaped by greater transparency, professional training, local content policies and greener purchasing standards.