Public Procurement - Africa Freedom of Information Centre

How One Procurement Officer Is Championing Women in Mbarara’s Public Contracts

When Mwiije Dina took over as Principal Procurement Officer for Mbarara City, she brought more than technical expertise; she brought a vision for inclusion. Thanks to Uganda’s 15% reservation policy. Targeted training initiatives. Women entrepreneurs in Mbarara are no longer spectators in public procurement. They are active players, leading businesses, securing government contracts, and reshaping […]

Her First Win: Margarete’s Story of Registration, Risk, and Reward in Public Procurement

Margret Kyomugisha’s entrepreneurial spirit was sparked by a procurement training program that would forever alter her trajectory. With newfound confidence and skills, she took the leap and registered JPM Instant Solutions East Africa (JPMISEA), quickly securing her first jgovernment contract. As she transitioned from selling Irish potatoes to securing government contracts for city office cleaning […]

Empowering Women in Business: Praise’s Journey from Mobile Money to Public Procurement Success

Praise Blender Moreen, founder and CEO of Blend Trade Links Limited, is a dynamic entrepreneur based in Mbarara, Uganda. What began as a modest career in mobile money and agency banking has evolved into a thriving enterprise that now competes successfully in public procurement. Her turning point came after a transformative workshop organized by the […]

From baking at home to winning government contracts, Brenda shares her journey and advice for women entrepreneurs

Public procurement: Imagine being a talented entrepreneur, eager to grow your business and provide for your loved ones. But, despite your hard work, you’re constantly faced with barriers that prevent you from accessing the opportunities you deserve. For women-led businesses in Uganda, this was the harsh reality. Despite the government’s significant spending on public […]

Understanding Public Procurement: How Your Tax Money is Spent

As a citizen, have you ever wondered how your tax money is spent? Do you know how the government buys goods and services for your community? In this article, we’ll explore the concept of public procurement, its importance, and how it affects you as a citizen. What is public procurement? This is the process by […]

Implementation of UN Convention Against Corruption in East Africa

Regional Conference on reviving the regional platform Africa Nairobi, 20-23 May 2024 Outcome of the Civil Society Roundtable Overall Commitment Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have played a pivotal role in the East Africa Anti-Corruption Platform since its inception in February 2017 at the East African Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (EAAACA) regional convening on Fast […]

How governments can ensure disclosure of public procurement data

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, transparency in public procurement is more crucial than ever. But how can governments ensure the disclosure of vital data to promote accountability and efficiency? Here are some actionable strategies that can create away for a more transparent procurement process. 💡 Embrace Digital Transformation Harnessing technology is paramount in […]

Why Public Procurement Disclosure is important for Development in Africa?

Transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of sustainable economic growth, especially in developing regions like Africa. When it comes to public procurement, ensuring open disclosure of contracts, tenders, and expenditures plays a vital role. This is in fostering trust, reducing corruption, and driving positive change. According to recent studies, countries with transparent procurement […]

Public procurement: AFIC/PPDA empower women owned businesses to win contracts

Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) in partnership with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public AssetsAuthority (PPDA) are working to empower women owned businesses in four select entities in Uganda; PPDA, Wakiso DLG, KCCA and Mbarara City. This is aimed to increase women’s participation in public procurement. AFIC research conducted between 2021 […]

Public procurement report: Women businesses left out on contracts

Participation of Women-Owned Businesses (WoBs) in public procurement is not only a matter of economic empowerment but also a crucial step towards fostering gender equality and inclusive economic growth. Under their Lift Program, Open contracting Parternship selected AFIC and PPDA to participate in the program under the shared theme of leveraging open contracting to advance […]

Uganda takes major Step towards Gender Inclusive Public Procurement

On March 22, 2024, the Government of Uganda took a major policy step to enhance women’seconomic empowerment. Uganda joined only Kenya and Tanzania by launching guidelines on the reservation scheme for public contracts for women, youth and persons with disabilities. The Guidelines seek to operationalize Section 59B of the amended Public Procurement and Disposal of […]

AFIC- GROW Project Impact On Women Inclusion In Public Procurement

The collaboration between the AFIC and TISA through Growth and Economic Opportunities for Women (GROW) under the project “Fostering Gender-Responsive Public Procurement: Understanding the Barriers and Solutions to Include Women-Led Businesses in Public Procurement in East Africa” continues to play a pivotal role in influencing policy changes at both the national and county government levels […]

PPDA issues regulations for the reservation scheme for special interest groups

Research study by Africa Freedom of Information centre found that only 1% of women-led businesses participate in public procurement in Uganda. On Thursday, 25th January, The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) launched the PDDA Regulations 2023, marking a crucial stride toward streamlining the public procurement sector. Benson Turamye, the Executive Director […]

AFIC Trains Leaders to Benefit Special Groups in Bukoba District

Africa Freedom of Information Center (AFIC), in collaboration with The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) and non-governmental organizations Omuka Hub conducted a capacity building session for leaders of various departments and political parties in Bukoba District with the aim of overseeing the 30 percent of funds provided by the Government to benefit special groups. Various […]

20th Procurement Policy Forum: CSO’s statement

November 23, 2023 Chairperson,Senior Government Officials,Development partnersColleagues CSO leadersLadies and gentlemen;Ladies and Gentlemen; I am pleased to address this 20 th public procurement policy dialogue on behalf of civil society organisations working on transparency, accountability and integrity issues in public procurement in Uganda. CSOs working on transparency, accountability, value for money and inclusiveness in public […]

PPDA solicits input into the draft guidelines for reservation scheme

AFIC in partnership with PPDA conducted a half day workshop to review draft guidelines for special interest groups (Women, Youth and People with Disabilities) participation in public procurement. The meeting was held with PPDA’s Performance Monitoring department and the Legal and Investigations department, other key stakeholders including selected PDEs, CSOs, private sector and Women in […]

Stakeholders discuss ways to include WOBs in Uganda’s Public procurement

Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) conducted a multi stakeholders’ engagement to discuss the findings on the AFIC report and the draft procurement guidelines by the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) The meeting was held on the 31st August, […]

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AFIC in Kenya: Media Vows to Report Cases of Injustice Surrounding the Access to Government Procurement Oportunities (AGPO)

The journalists in Kenya have vowed to expose all cases of misery, citizens face during their attempt to participate in the Access Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO). This followed a media round table discussion organized by Africa Freedom of Information Centre in collaboration with AFIC partners in Kenya, The Institute of Social Accountability (TISA) that […]

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AFIC in Ethiopia: Joint Committee Established to Address Barriers Faced by Women-Led Businesses in Accessing Public Procurement Contracts

In a significant step towards promoting gender equality and inclusivity in public procurement, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) conducted advocacy activities in Ethiopia from 22nd to 26th May. The engagements that aimed to address the barriers faced by women-led businesses in accessing public procurement contracts in East Africa. One of the major activities […]

Our New Report: Women Businesses left out in Government Procurement in East Africa

We are pleased to share our new report on the barriers and solutions to women’s participation in public procurement in Eastern Africa produced by Africa Freedom of Information Centre with our partners, The Open Contracting Partnership and The Institute for Social Accountability. Gender inequality is a major challenge that concerns everyone, however, without tackling its […]

The East African Public Procurement Authorities resolve to fast-track Open Contracting

The public procurement oversight agencies for Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania have resolved to fast-track open contracting by proactively publishing data in Open Contracting Data Standards formats and promote monitoring of contracts by none state actors. They also resolved to promote participation in the participation of special interest groups like women, youth and people […]

Tag: Public Procurement