Africa-Press – Uganda. The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) Appeals Tribunal will next year introduce a digital case filing system as part of wider reforms aimed at reducing delays, improving access to justice, and enhancing transparency in resolving public procurement disputes.
The announcement came during a media sensitisation engagement in Kampala, where Tribunal officials highlighted persistent challenges in procurement processes and outlined plans to modernise operations through technology and strengthened stakeholder engagement.
The Tribunal’s Manager Legal, Mr Francis Kiwa, said the transition to online filing will allow parties from all parts of the country to submit procurement-related complaints electronically, eliminating the need for physical travel to Kampala.
“Once we automate our registry, a person in Karamoja or Kisoro will not need to travel to Kampala to file an application,” Mr Kiwa said.
He explained that complainants will be able to lodge cases online, while institutions such as the Ministry of Finance and the E-Government Procurement (EGP) team will access case documents in real time.
Mr Kiwa noted that a significant proportion of cases before the Tribunal arise from limited knowledge of procurement laws and capacity gaps among service providers and government entities.
“We have observed a serious lack of understanding of procurement laws and procedures. These gaps often lead to failures, which in turn increase the number of complaints that end up before the Tribunal,” he said.
He further cited deliberate non-compliance and internal bureaucracy within government entities as major contributors to delayed decision-making.
“In some cases, documents take up to five days to move from an entity’s central registry to the accounting officer. Yet procurement timelines are very strict—the accounting officer has only 10 days to act,” Mr Kiwa explained.
Such internal delays often result in missed timelines, causing disputes to escalate to the Tribunal.
Underreported decisions
Mr Kiwa also observed that several Tribunal decisions with far-reaching implications for government operations and the economy often go unreported.
“Cases involving the supply of computers to government institutions, electronic tax systems, and research institutions have a direct impact on service delivery and the economy, yet they rarely receive media attention,” he noted.
The Registrar of the PPDA Appeals Tribunal, Mr. Atiku Saki Mansoor, underscored the Tribunal’s mandate to deliver fair, impartial, and timely resolution of procurement disputes, describing it as a cornerstone of accountability in public finance management.
“This is not just a legal process. It is a critical pillar for ensuring transparency, value for money, and trust in how public resources are utilised for national development,” Mr. Mansoor said.
He described the media as a key partner in translating Tribunal decisions into information that empowers bidders, accounting officers, and the general public.
“Our aim is to foster understanding of our mandate, establish direct and accurate communication channels, and build a sustained partnership with the media to demystify public procurement oversight,” he added.
Looking ahead, the Tribunal plans to gradually integrate artificial intelligence, strengthen capacity building for its members, staff, and procuring and disposing entities, and enhance collaboration with institutions such as the Judiciary.
“Appeals from the Tribunal go to the High Court, which is the final decision-maker on procurement matters. Continued engagement with the Judiciary and other stakeholders is therefore essential,” Mr. Mansoor added.
He said the planned reforms are intended to improve efficiency, expand public access to the Tribunal’s services, and promote accountability across Uganda’s public procurement system.
The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) Appeals Tribunal is a quasi-judicial body established to provide an independent mechanism for resolving disputes arising from public procurement and disposal processes in Uganda.
The Tribunal hears and determines complaints lodged by bidders, providers, or any aggrieved party dissatisfied with procurement decisions made by government entities.
It operates within Uganda’s public procurement oversight framework and plays a key role in promoting transparency, accountability, and fairness in the use of public resources.
Its mandate includes reviewing procurement decisions, ensuring compliance with procurement laws and regulations, and providing remedies where breaches are established.
For More News And Analysis About Uganda Follow Africa-Press
