The finance ministry permanent secretary Ramathan Ggoobi has said the new Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) regulations will help reduce middlemen in the public procurement chain. 

“Reducing middlemen in the procurement chain is crucial. The President emphasised the need to procure directly from manufacturers and these regulations align with that vision, ensuring a more streamlined and efficient process,” he said on Thursday.  

He made the remarks in Kampala at the launch of a new set of regulations to guide PPDA in the country, effective February 5, 2024. 

PPDA is an agency under the Ministry of Finance regulating public procurement in the country. 

“As we all know, effective regulations of anything, let alone procurement, is the cornerstone for the robust system we want to put in place. Our goal is to instil confidence in the public that their entrusted money is utilised efficiently. These regulations emphasise timely procurement, reducing lead times, and fiscal responsibility to achieve value for money,” he said. 

Ggoobi, who is also the secretary to the treasury, said they need to work together to change the face of procurement. 

“Adherence to these regulations is crucial. Accounting officers and all stakeholders, let’s ensure strict compliance for the benefit of timely, efficient and value-driven procurement,” he said. 

He also said the Ministry of Finance must play a pivotal role in facilitating change management for these regulations. 

“Ensuring all stakeholders, including local governments, apply the same set of regulations is key for uniformity and success,” he said. 

“The new regulations mark a crucial milestone in the ongoing efforts to ensure the reformation of the public sector to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public procurement and disposal processes,” Ggoobi added. 

Benson Turamye, the executive director of PPDA, said the government amended, revoked, and retained various PPDA regulations to streamline and modernise public procurement practices. The regulations focus on harmonisation, efficiency, sustainability, and simplicity in public procurement processes,” he said. 

“Twelve PPDA regulations were revised to enhance procurement planning and negotiations. The government emphasises transparency and efficiency in the process,” he added.