The government has launched an electronic government procurement (e-GP) system aimed at improving transparency, accountability and efficiency in public procurement across ministries, departments and agencies.
The new digital procurement platform has already been rolled out in 100 government entities this year. The government plans to extend it to all remaining public entities over the next three years.
The rollout was announced during a meeting of accounting officers held at the Ministry of Finance offices in Kampala.
Speaking at the meeting, acting Accountant General Godfrey Ssemugooma said the electronic system will strengthen compliance with procurement laws, improve accountability and speed up procurement processes.
He said all government suppliers will be required to use the new platform.
“All government suppliers must comply with and embrace this development,” Ssemugooma said.
He added that companies wishing to do business with the government must be properly registered with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
“You must be in the system so that all the required information can be accessed electronically,” he said.
Government says the e-GP system is expected to reduce delays associated with manual procurement while limiting opportunities for corruption that arise from face-to-face transactions between procurement officials and service providers.
However, some accounting officers raised concerns about the implementation of the system, citing poor internet connectivity in some parts of the country.
They warned that unreliable internet services could slow down the adoption of the new digital platform, particularly in remote districts.
In response, government officials said the National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U) is working to improve internet connectivity across the country to support the successful implementation of the system.
The executive director of the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), Dr Jackson Orem, welcomed the introduction of the electronic procurement system, saying it will benefit both government institutions and suppliers.
He, however, noted that the transition from manual to digital procurement will require extensive training for users.
“Many people have been used to the manual approach, but this system requires both contractors and service providers to improve their digital skills,” Dr Orem said.
He said continuous capacity building will be essential to ensure that public officers, contractors and suppliers can effectively use the new platform.
Government expects the electronic procurement system to enhance transparency in public spending, improve service delivery and reduce opportunities for fraud and corruption in government procurement.
