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Local govt ministry moves to improve procurement processes in Buvuma district

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Local govt ministry moves to improve procurement processes in Buvuma district
Ministry of Local Government officials in Buvuma

Officials from the Ministry of Local Government (MOLG) have embarked on a two-day visit to Buvuma District to improve procurement service delivery standards and address unique challenges faced by the island community.

Mr. Johnson Musinguzi, the assistant Commissioner for Procurement in MOLG, emphasised the need for strict adherence to Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) regulations in procurement processes.

"Contract committees must clearly state whether awarded contracts are tax-inclusive or exclusive to avoid discrepancies," Mr. Musinguzi advised.

He also called on procurement officers to regularly report all micro-procurements undertaken by user departments to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) or accounting officer.

Additionally, the district was urged to develop a public asset disposal plan in line with the PPDA Regulations 2023.

Buvuma’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Mr. Isa Mbooge, highlighted the logistical difficulties contractors face when working in the island district, which is only accessible by boat or ferry.

"Transporting building materials by boat increases costs significantly. In 2023, a tragic incident saw a boat carrying construction materials capsize, claiming six lives and destroying all materials," he explained.

Mr. Mbooge urged authorities to consider such challenges when evaluating contract bids from contractors working on the island compared to those on the mainland.

Mr. Mbooge also appealed to the Public Service, Health Service, and Education Service Commissions to prioritize recruiting volunteers who have already demonstrated their commitment by working in Buvuma under challenging conditions.

"We have teachers who have been working without pay. These individuals are resilient and accustomed to the conditions here. Yet, many newly recruited civil servants refuse to stay in Buvuma and seek transfers immediately after joining the payroll," he said.

The CAO praised the transition from district tender boards to electronic procurement systems, noting their role in improving transparency and efficiency.

"The electronic procurement system has eliminated mediocrity because all processes are now interlinked, ensuring accountability," Mr. Mbooge said.

Located on Lake Victoria, Buvuma District has a population of approximately 110,000 people. Its economy is driven by fishing and agriculture, with oil palm cultivation playing a significant role.

Access to the district is limited to boats and a ferry from Kiyindi in Buikwe District.

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