Uganda's Shift to Online Procurement Excludes Unregistered Firms

Uganda is accelerating its transition to a fully digital public procurement system, with the Electronic Government Procurement (eGP 2.0) platform now a mandatory requirement for all businesses vying for government contracts. Companies and individuals who fail to register on this online portal will be ineligible to participate in any public procurement processes.

This move signifies a complete departure from traditional, paper-based methods, which have often been criticized for causing delays and fostering corruption. The eGP 2.0 system is designed to handle the entire procurement lifecycle electronically, from bid submissions and notifications to contract signings and payments. This digital shift is expected to significantly cut down on the time taken for procurement, with some processes potentially halved from ten days to five days.

Godfrey Ssemugooma, the Acting Accountant General, emphasized that registration is no longer optional but a prerequisite for securing government business. He stated that manual procedures, including newspaper advertisements and in-person bid openings, will be phased out entirely. The integrated system connects with key government bodies like URA, URSB, NIRA, and NSSF, allowing for automated verification of supplier compliance, thereby minimizing opportunities for fraud and the submission of forged documents.

While acknowledging the need for ongoing investment in internet connectivity, cybersecurity, and data protection, the Ministry of Finance and the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) are steadily rolling out the platform. As of July 20, 136 public entities are using eGP 2.0, with a target to migrate all 441 procuring entities by 2029.

Officials believe this digital transformation will not only improve efficiency and reduce administrative costs but also significantly enhance transparency, providing suppliers with automated updates and making the entire process more predictable and open. Public entities already on the system are no longer permitted to advertise tenders in traditional newspapers, further reinforcing the shift to the online platform.

For more details, visit: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/firms-to-lose-out-as-govt-procurement-goes-online-5547270