Researchers want science projects procurement exempt from PPDA rules

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Researchers have called for the exemption of science innovation projects in Uganda from Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) conditions.

They say it is stunting their growth through delayed procurement processes.
"Science does not thrive where there is red tape; it in fact kills innovation," said Prof. Pakoyo Kamba, a scientist and the deputy vice-chancellor of Busitema University, on Saturday in Kampala.

"In the US where I did my PhD, if you wanted an enzyme, you would have it in 48 hours."

Kamba said that in comparison, scientists in Uganda spend between six to nine months to get their requests for reagents approved.

"The government needs to remove the roadblock because the value of science and innovation is being eroded by the red tape of PPDA. 

"We will continue to condemn our scientists for not bringing value for the money the government is investing in, but there is a big roadblock."

The multi-disciplinary scientist, who combines extensive hands-on graduate training in laboratory biomolecular research with postdoctoral training, was speaking during the launch of the Banatex-EA project at Fairway Hotel in Uganda's capital.

The project is funded by the UK Department for International Development at a total of £600,000 (about sh3b).

Uganda is the world's second-largest producer and consumer of bananas after India, according to a recent report by the World Economic Forum. (Credit: New Vision archives)

Implemented through Busitema University, the project hopes to actualize the production of fibre for making clothes and other valuable items from banana fibre through research.
Launched by ICT and national guidance state minister Godfrey Kabyanga, the project is expected to last 19 months, benefiting over 200 farmers.

'Scientists rust'

Meanwhile, Prof. Kamba said many scientists, not bold enough to speak out, are simply walking away from projects, resulting in billions of money sunk into the huge innovative projects going to waste.

"We need reagents as fast as possible. That is the only way you can sit at the top of technology. Anything you need should come in less than a week.

"It should arrive so that you go back to the bench. Scientists rust when they have to wait for three months. They hate the bench once they start suffering from barriers," he added.
At the event, Kamba hailed Dr Edwin Kamalha, the project director who helped the university win the grant, noting that the project will "transform what we thought was waste into billions of dollars".

Uganda is the world's second-largest producer and consumer of bananas after India, according to a recent report by the World Economic Forum.

Currently, the East African nation produces about 10 million metric tonnes of bananas, with consumption standing at an estimated one kilogramme per person per day.

However, beyond food, many of the products from a banana plant, such as the leaves and stems, are disposed of as waste.