The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) has called on government procuring entities and suppliers to make local content a major priority, saying public spending should go beyond purchasing goods and services to creating jobs, growing Ugandan businesses and supporting sustainable economic development.
PPDA Executive Director Benson Turamye said Uganda’s goal of achieving tenfold economic growth will depend not only on the amount of money invested in public projects, but also on how effectively that money creates opportunities for local enterprises, workers and communities. He made the remarks while delivering a keynote address at a Suppliers’ Forum organised by Uganda Development Bank (UDB) at Four Points by Sheraton in Kampala.The forum, held under the theme “Enhancing Supplier Engagement in Public Procurement for Sustainable Development,” brought together suppliers, procurement professionals and other stakeholders to discuss how public procurement can deliver greater value to the economy.
Turamye said procurement should no longer be treated simply as a regulatory requirement, but as a powerful tool for advancing Uganda’s development agenda.He argued that poor procurement decisions can create problems that continue long after a project has been completed. He cited cases where infrastructure projects fail to properly consider surrounding communities, drainage works contribute to flooding and abandoned borrow pits become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. He said such consequences show why sustainability must be considered from the planning stage through to project completion.Turamye noted that about 65 percent of Uganda’s national budget is spent through procurement, making the sector one of the most powerful channels for influencing economic growth. He said the huge volume of public expenditure can be used to expand local businesses, create employment, strengthen domestic supply chains and ensure that more Ugandans benefit from government investment.UDB Managing Director Dr Patricia Ojangole described suppliers as important partners in the bank’s development work rather than simply contractors or vendors. She said the quality of goods, services and projects delivered by suppliers directly affects UDB’s ability to support businesses, strengthen productive sectors and improve livelihoods across the country.Ojangole stressed that sustainable procurement requires suppliers who are competitive, professional and committed to integrity and high performance. The forum therefore gave suppliers an opportunity to understand the procurement system better, including bidding requirements, compliance, self-assessment, submission procedures and the rights and responsibilities of both suppliers and procuring entities.The discussions also focused on emerging procurement trends such as open contracting, professional training and certification, promotion of local content, and green procurement. With Uganda seeking faster economic transformation, stakeholders said public procurement must be used strategically to ensure that every shilling spent delivers value not only through the goods or services purchased, but also through stronger local enterprises, employment opportunities and improved livelihoods.
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