Procurement contract management processes in the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Uganda

Abstract

The study examined the procurement contract management process in ministry of finance, planning and economic development with a focus on the applicability of the PPDA in the drafting, issuing and administration of procurement contracts. The purpose of the study was to investigate the compliance of MoFPED with the PPDA Act in management of its procurement contracts with aim of providing policy makers with information policy makers with information to help them make strategic decisions concerning procurement contract management process as a strategic function in enhancing compliance. Using a cross-sectional case study design, data was collected from a sample of 70 staff at ministry of finance, planning and economic development using self administered questionnaires and interviews. The findings of the study indicate that a clear procedure is followed in the drafting of procurement contracts. The study revealed that issuing of procurement contracts is characterized irregularities including lack of transparency, accountability and fairness in contract management. It was also found out that procurement contracts are properly administered even though contracts committee does not monitor and control risks. The study also proved that the user department prepares a work plan for their procurement based on the approved budget and that there is a lot of non compliance with the PPDA Act when it comes to the issuing of procurement procurements and that it does not properly monitor and control risks which later results into ineffective contract management. It was recommended that contracts committee has to ensure that they fully evaluate the bidders and select them basing their capabilities and the organization should use a formal contract administration methodology with trained and experienced cross-functional team members who are competent in contractor performance measurement.