Kick Corruption Out of Uganda (KICK-U) took a significant step towards promoting transparency and accountability in public procurement by attending a two-day workshop organized by the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) at Bunyonyi Safaris Hotel in Kabale District.
The workshop, held from Monday, 26th February to Tuesday, 27th February 2023, aimed at disseminating the PPDA Regulations 2023, PPDA Guidelines 2024, and training on the Preparation of Procurement and Disposal plans on the Electronic Government Procurement (EGP) platform.
Representing KICK-U at the event were Mr. Kakuru Robert Byamugisha, the Executive Director, and Akandwanaho Gracious. The workshop attracted various participants, including local government leaders, accounting officers, representatives from PPDA, EGP, executive directors from different organizations, among others.
The workshop was officially opened and launched by the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kabale District, Mr. Ronald Bakaki.He encouraged participants to practice what they learned from the workshop.
Mr. Moses Ojambo, representing PPDA, set the tone with an opening remark, emphasizing the collaborative efforts among PPDA, Procurement Development Unit (PDU), and Government Procurement Unit (GPU) to disseminate regulations and raise awareness across Western and South Western Uganda.
During the workshop, PPDA representatives Sophia Masagazi, the Manager of Legal Affairs, and Mariam Baluka, Senior Officer Capacity Building, delivered an in-depth presentation on the PPDA Regulations 2023 and the EGP.
Mr. Robert Kakuru Byamugisha, the Executive Director of KICK-U, took the stage to shed light on the pivotal role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in combating corruption. He outlined the collaborative framework between PPDA, Procuring and Disposing Entities (PDEs), and CSOs, stressing the importance of enhancing public procurement outcomes and service delivery.
Kakuru showcased the Contract Monitoring System (CMS), a phone-based app designed to facilitate real-time communication and evidence gathering between PPDA and CSOs. He expressed gratitude to the administrative officers for their unwavering support and commitment to transparency.
On the second day of the workshop, a team from the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (MoFPED) demonstrated the Electronic Government Procurement (eGP) System. Local government entities in South Western Uganda expressed optimism about the efficiency of the system and their intention to enrol in its next financial year.
The workshop concluded successfully, with stakeholders from Local Government Entities in South Western Uganda expressing optimism about practicing Procurement That Delivers moving forward. KICK-U remains committed to its mission of kicking corruption out of Uganda and promoting transparent and accountable public procurement practices. Echoing the sentiment, "A Corruption-Free Uganda Starts with Me," embraced by all participants.
