The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) has halted the procurement of an integrated security system for Parliament’s new chambers, citing irregularities in the process.

In a letter dated February 18, 2021, PPDA executive director Benson Turamye said the authority has instituted an audit into the matter.

Turamye in a letter to the Clerk of Parliament, Jane Kibirige, directed that the procurement be halted immediately and Parliament submits all documents in relation to the matter.

“You are requested to halt the procurement process and submit the procurement action file for the abovementioned subject. The documents should be submitted to the team leader of the ongoing audit exercise, not later than Wednesday, February 10, 2021,” he stated.

Turamye said the authority’s action was prompted by a letter from a whistle-blower citing irregularities in the procurement. He said the complainant alleged that the current integrated security system was procured and has been operated and maintained by Uganda Police Force since 2014.

The whistle-blower alleged that the Uganda Police Force, at the request of Parliament, designed the integrated security system for the new chambers as an upgrade and integration to the current system, but this highly classified and sensitive information was leaked to some companies.

Turamye said the complainant further said Parliament’s ICT director approved a request for the approval of the procurement of the integrated security system, estimated at sh39b on August 24 last year, despite a recommendation by the director litigation and compliance of September 8 last year.

The director litigation in the letter dated September 8, 2020, had reportedly proposed that the Uganda Police Force undertakes all aspects of security for seamless integration, since the force is in charge of surveillance of the Parliamentary Building.

The complainant further said that the request by the chief procurement officer to clear Parliament to go ahead with the procurement transaction was rejected by the Uganda Police Force in September 2020.

It is alleged that regardless of the recommendations, the procurement and ICT departments started a procurement process under the restricted method of procurement and invited four companies — Technology Associates Ltd, CRJE, Encrald Telecom (U) Ltd and Infinity Computer and Company Ltd.

Other irregularities

Parliament in 2016, contracted Roko Construction Limited to construct the new chambers at the north wing, which are expected to house 500 MPs and have office space for legislators and staff.

The choice of Roko Construction brought an end to years of controversy, after the Inspectorate of Government in the same year received a complaint about irregularities.

Another complaint in 2016 also stalled the process after a whistleblower petitioned the Inspectorate of Government (IGG), challenging the membership of the review committee.

The whistle-blower cited three engineers — Caleb Tugumusirize, Timothy Mugabi and Charles Mpabwe — who had been earlier implicated by PPDA for the mess that marred the first tender process.

Five firms submitted bids for the project — Roko, China Civil Engineering Construction Company, China Complete Plant Import and Export, Seyani Brothers & Co. Ltd and China National Aero-technology International.

The chambers had originally been planned to cost sh270b but the cost has been rising due to modifications.

It is expected to be complete in June.