Implementation of public procurement standards and regulations in public organizations in Uganda: The case of National Social Security Fund

Abstract

The study set out to investigate the implementation of public procurement standards and regulations in public sector organizations using a case of the National Social Security Fund. The study was guided by specific objectives namely; to assess the implementation of public procurement standards and regulations in NSSF; to analyze the role of public procurement processes in NSSF; to establish the factors affecting the effective implementation of public procurement processes in NSSF; and to suggest possible mechanisms to enhance the effectiveness of public procurement processes in NSSF. A descriptive research design based on a case study was used with both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data was collected from employees of NSSF by use of questionnaires and interview guides. The study found out that although public procurement standards and regulations have only been fairly implemented in NSSF, a number of benefits have been realized such as enhanced transparency and accountability, promotion of eco-friendly procurement activities, proper planning and budgeting, enhancement of the organization’s reputation as well as implementation of a proper information and records management system in the organization. Corruption was cited as the biggest factor impeding the effective implementation of procurement processes in the organization alongside other factors related to the law, internal operations, organization structure and political interference. The study proposes mechanisms to curb corruption for instance enhancing accountability through internal and external controls, strict enforcement of procurement laws as well as ridding public procurement of political interference were suggested in order to achieve efficiency of public procurement processes.