PPDA exposes Shs 2bn printing scandal in Kyambogo

What the report says

The Observer reports that Uganda’s Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) has found Kyambogo University paid more than Shs2 billion for printing and photocopying services it did not actually consume. According to a July 13, 2026 PPDA report cited by the newspaper, the university paid MFI Document Solutions Ltd under contract clauses requiring minimum monthly print volumes, rather than billing based on pages used.

PPDA reviewed 37 of 49 available payment records and found Kyambogo paid about Shs4.53 billion against minimum-volume obligations, while the services used were valued at roughly Shs2.49 billion. The authority classified the difference, about Shs2.04 billion, as a financial loss tied to unfavourable contract terms and a breach of the value-for-money principle under procurement law. The contract, signed in October 2021, was valued at about Shs6 billion and covered black-and-white, colour and security printing.

The investigation also questioned the legality of renewing the supplier’s contract. The Observer reports that Kyambogo’s Procurement and Disposal Unit and Contracts Committee had advised against automatic renewal and recommended a fresh competitive process, with only a temporary extension if needed. A whistleblower alleged that University Secretary Arthur Katongole renewed the contract on October 31, 2025, despite those objections. Katongole told the newspaper he was preparing a formal response to the PPDA findings and questioned the complainant’s motives.

PPDA reportedly concluded that the renewal breached procurement rules and directed Katongole to terminate the contract within one month and start a competitive procurement process. The article says it is not yet clear whether funds will be recovered, disciplinary action taken, or any criminal investigation opened. MFI Document Solutions Ltd’s response was not included in the material provided.