By Our Reporter
The annual suppliers conference is aimed to evaluate service delivery and strengthen partnerships with suppliers, while emphasizing the importance of an efficient procurement management system.
This year was the 3rd Kampala Capital City Authority’s organized annual Suppliers’ Conference on June 8, 2023, at the Imperial Royale Hotel.
The event was graced by the presence of Kabuye Kyofatogabye, the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, who stressed the significance of effective procurement systems for the success of any institution.
Kyofatogabye emphasized that a failed procurement management system often leads to inefficiencies and highlighted the importance of sharpening skills and knowledge through conferences like this.
Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, in attendance expressed his gratitude to the suppliers for their unwavering support in the city’s journey towards transformation. He acknowledged their crucial role in facilitating progress and urged attendees to view suppliers as development partners rather than just business associates focused solely on profit.
However, Lukwago criticized some contractors who abandoned project sites due to delayed payments from KCCA.
While recognizing the importance of timely payments, he urged contractors to build sufficient capacity to prevent work stoppages on critical projects. The Lord Mayor made it clear that suppliers lacking adequate capacity should not engage in business with KCCA. He emphasized the forthcoming evaluation process as a means to ensure quality services and reiterated the organization’s commitment to making timely payments.
The third edition of the KCCA Suppliers’ Conference focused on the theme, “The Impact of the PPDA Amendment Act, 2003 on the Procurement of Works and Consultancy Services.”
Attendees, including local companies, sole proprietors and international companies, were encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) Act, which serves as a tool for promoting socioeconomic development.
The event also offered highlights on the recent amendment of the PPDA Act 2003 (the reprint of the PPDA Act, 2003) order, 2021 that was amended to enable Government Entities to efficiently respond to the emerging trends in the supply world, among which is to operationalize Sustainable Procurement (Environmental, Social and Economic factors) under section 61A in the procurement process.
Dorothy Kisaka, the Executive Director of KCCA, emphasized the institution’s responsibility to ensure an efficient procurement process that adheres to requirements of fairness, quality, timeliness and value for money.
Kisaka commended KCCA for its highly ranked procurement systems and highlighted its role as a piloting entity in promoting sustainable procurement, particularly with projects funded by development partners.
The conference provided participants with valuable insights into the legal framework governing procurement processes, enabling them to contribute to the social and economic development of the region.
The KCCA Suppliers’ Conference served as a platform for productive engagement between KCCA and its suppliers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards of service delivery while encouraging local entrepreneurs to thrive provided they meet the necessary capacity and quality requirements.
Doreen Tiberonda Akatuhwera, the head of PDU, also highlighted the benefits of Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) which she said is increasing efficiency.
She revealed that the key outcomes of the conference are; knowledge on how to operationalize sustainable procurement, buy in of service providers and stakeholders and complaint service providers and contractors, potential mindset change and support of sustainable procurement initiatives.
The event concluded with the assurance of continued support from KCCA, coupled with the expectation that suppliers would invest in building their capacity to deliver exemplary services.
Overall, the conference fostered collaboration, highlighted the significance of efficient procurement systems and reinforced the commitment of KCCA and its suppliers to achieving a vibrant, attractive, and sustainable city while delivering quality services to residents.
