UGANDA’S BOLD STEP TOWARDS INCLUSIVE PUBLIC PROCUREMENT: EMPOWERING LOCAL PROVIDERS AND MARGINALIZED GROUPS.

Uganda’s Bold Step Towards Inclusive Public Procurement: Empowering Local Providers and Marginalized Groups.

In a landmark move towards fostering inclusivity and empowerment within Uganda’s public procurement landscape, the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) unveiled two ground-breaking guidelines. These guidelines, announced by the Minister of Finance (General Duties), Hon. Henry Musasizi, signal a transformative shift aimed at promoting the active participation of local providers as well as empowering marginalized groups comprising women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

The first guideline, titled “Guideline on Reservation Schemes to Promote the Participation of Local Providers in Public Procurement,” is set to revolutionize the procurement system. It introduces measures to reserve certain procurements exclusively for Ugandan, resident, and East African Community (EAC) contractors, suppliers, manufacturers, and consultants.

By setting clear thresholds and fostering a levelled playing field, this guideline ensures equitable access to government contracts, stimulating domestic production and reducing dependency on imports.

The second guideline, titled “Reservation Schemes to Promote the Participation of Registered Associations of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities,” marks a significant stride toward social and economic inclusion.

Designed to facilitate the engagement of marginalized groups in procurement processes, this guideline reserves a portion of procurement budgets for registered associations, ensuring they have access to opportunities previously inaccessible. Simplified bidding procedures and exemptions from certain fees further streamline their participation, fostering an environment conducive to growth and empowerment.

While announcing these policy amendments, Minister Musasizi expressed optimism about the outcomes and encouraged all stakeholders to ensure their effective implementation.    “These guidelines underscore the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive economy, where every Ugandan enterprise has the opportunity to thrive. By harnessing the collective efforts of stakeholders from ministries, government agencies, the private sector, and the media, Uganda is poised to realize its vision of economic transformation and prosperity.”, Musasizi said.

As Uganda embraces these guidelines, it embarks on a journey of empowerment and progress, laying the foundation for a brighter future for generations to come. With a steadfast dedication to inclusivity and equity, Uganda reaffirms its commitment to building a modern, industrial, and prosperous nation.

For more information and updates on these transformative guidelines, stay tuned to the PPDA website.

Click this link to read the highlights of the newest PPDA Guidelines, 2024.