By Richard Onapatum
Kampala, Uganda – In a bid to promote transparency and accountability in public procurement, the Ministry of Local Government (MOLG) has embarked on a nationwide exercise to enhance procurement practices in local governments.
Recently, a team of officers from MOLG visited Buvuma district to support their counterparts in the district to improve procurement service delivery standards. The team, led by Assistant Commissioner Procurement Mr. Musingunzi Johnson, conducted a two-day workshop to sensitize procurement officers on the correct application of PPDA regulations.
During the workshop, Mr. Musingunzi emphasized the importance of referring to the correct PPDA regulations when making procurement decisions. He also stressed that contract committees should clearly state the tax status of awards, whether exclusive or inclusive.
The MOLG team further advised the Buvuma procurement officers to report all micro-procurements to the accounting officer or chief administrative officer. The district is also required to develop a plan for disposing of public assets, following the guidelines of the PPDA regulations 2023.
Buvuma’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Mr. Isa Mbooge, welcomed the initiative, saying that it will help to improve transparency and accountability in public procurement. He also appealed to the public service, health service commission, and education service commission to consider recruiting qualified volunteers who have been working within the district.
In a related development, Buvuma’s oil palm project has been hailed as a success, with 2,500 hectares of oil palm trees already planted. The project, which aims to expand to 5,000 hectares, has improved household incomes, local revenue taxes, and created employment opportunities for youth and women.
According to Sserunjogi Wilson, senior assistant CAO and project coordinator, the oil palm project has contributed to the construction of a modern ferry and lent equipment to maintain roads. The project has also led to an increase in tourism and a reduction in crime rates.
The government’s efforts to enhance procurement practices in local governments are aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and value for money. The initiative is also expected to improve service delivery and promote economic growth and development at the local level.