We want local firms to take more contracts – NSSF

___________________

The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has said it is committed to embed more local firms at the heart of its procurement processes.

Speaking during the nineth annual NSSF Suppliers Forum in Kampala, Patrick Ayota, the fund’s managing director said their enhanced systems and trainings for local participation are already materialising with an increase in Ugandan firms securing contracts compared to the preceding two years.

“The big ticket items are normally in buildings. If we can build our capacities to be able to deliver on that front,” he said.  

“Currently, our procurement process is forward looking. We are leveraging digital tools to increase efficiency, embedding sustainability to drive long-term value, nurturing partnerships that uplift all stakeholders. We need to create a procurement ecosystem that is resilient, transparent, and efficient – one that sets the standard in Uganda and even inspires others globally.”

NSSF has an annual procurement budget of over sh781b. The NSSF Suppliers Forum is a platform where the Fund engages with suppliers, procurement professionals, the business community, and key stakeholders on how they can benefit from the existing opportunities.

Ayota said the new regulatory frameworks now mandate a 30% local content threshold for major ventures such as the pension towers. He said the policy measure ensures the utilisation of local labour and domestically produced goods.

Dan Mugura, head of procurement disposal unit at NSSF, said “We have made commitments to certain principles like timely payment for handling procurements, transparency and feedback to create mutual trust, commitment to the law for compliance and fairness.”