Uganda Government to Eliminate Manual Procurement by July 2026

In a significant move towards modernizing public administration and curbing corruption, the Ugandan government has announced a complete transition to an electronic government procurement (e-GP) system. By July 1, 2026, all government institutions will be required to utilize the digital platform, officially phasing out traditional manual procurement methods.

This initiative, championed by the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA), aims to tackle endemic corruption scandals, reduce bureaucratic delays, and bolster accountability in the management of public funds. PPDA Executive Director Benson Turamye stated that this digitisation of existing processes will ensure greater transparency and efficiency.

“By July 2026, we are going to roll out e-government procurement to all government agencies, we are going to phase out the manual procurement systems as we fully transition to an electronic procurement system,” Mr. Turamye announced during a PPDA ISO certification handover ceremony.

Currently, about 36 government entities are already using the electronic system. The mandatory adoption starting next year will extend to all levels of government, including local councils, public universities, and hospitals. This reform is particularly crucial given that public procurement constitutes nearly 18 percent of Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product, with a substantial portion of the national budget allocated to procurement activities.

The PPDA is also focusing on strengthening cybersecurity measures to protect the sensitive data involved in the procurement process, ensuring information security and maintaining public trust. This push for digital governance aligns with the government’s increased investment in digital infrastructure and technology, as highlighted in the recent national budget.

Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Ms. Justine Kasule Lumumba, emphasized that embracing digital governance is one of Uganda’s most potent strategies against corruption and inefficiency. She urged agencies to adopt international digital standards to improve service delivery and restore public confidence.

This digital transformation is expected to significantly enhance the traceability of public expenditure and contribute to Uganda’s broader economic ambitions by mitigating the risks posed by corruption and procurement inefficiencies.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)