MPs concerned over 'slow' rollout of electronic procurement system

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Members of Parliament on the Finance Committee have expressed concern over the slow implementation of the Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system.

Meeting officials from the finance ministry and Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA), the MPs questioned the delays, cost-effectiveness, and the government’s commitment to fully digitising public procurement.

Legislators noted that the system, which was initially piloted in 16 government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), has only expanded to 36 entities in five years — far below expectations.

“We started with about 12 or 16 MDAs, and quickly moved to 36. But five years down the road, we are still at 36," said committee vice-chairperson Chekwii County MP Moses Aleper.

"When you talk about a rollout now, it raises serious concern about what has been happening all this time."

The e-GP system, funded at approximately $8.5m (sh31.5b) largely through borrowed resources, was initially projected to achieve full national rollout between 2014 and 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, MPs dismissed pandemic-related explanations for the delays, pointing out that implementation had already lagged behind schedule.

“There were clear plans to achieve 100 percent rollout before COVID-19. So, it cannot be the primary justification for why we are still struggling with the system today,” said Aleper.

Lawmakers also raised concerns about persistent technical glitches, reportedly identified as early as 2021–2022, which remain unresolved.

“Why should it take years to fix system errors that were identified long ago. This raises questions not only about efficiency but also about value for money,” committee chairperson, Rwampara County MP Amos Kankunda.

The committee further questioned the role of the PPDA, particularly its ability to effectively oversee a system it did not fully participate in developing.

“How do you supervise what you did not design?” MP Emmily Kugonza of Buyanja East asked.

In response, finance state minister (general duties) Henry Musasizi defended the government’s approach, explaining that PPDA’s mandate is focused on compliance, oversight, and ensuring value for money in procurement processes.

“PPDA is responsible for ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and timeliness in procurement. The development and functionality of the e-GP system, however, fall under the Ministry of Finance."

The minister promised the MPs that when he appears again, the number of institutions on the system would have increased.

Kankunda, however, directed that PPDA submit other responses in writing before Friday.