Tendering practices and quality of building works in Uganda: A case of Arua District.

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between tendering practices and quality of building works in Arua District. It was prompted by seemingly poor quality of building works despite several procurement reforms. Specifically, the study intended to; establish the relationship between tender planning and quality of building works, determine the effect of source selection on quality of building works and explore how contract administration influences quality of building works. A cross-sectional survey design was used to undertake the study. The study population consisted of district civil servants and political leaders. The sample size of 92 was determined through purposive and simple random sampling. Data was collected using questionnaire survey, interview and documentary review methods. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were used for quantitative data while content analysis was done for qualitative data. The study found a significant relationship between tender planning and quality of building works with a coefficient of .233*. The study also found a significant effect of source selection on quality of building works, with a coefficient of .490** and finally, contract administration registered a significant correlation of (.570**) with quality of building works. The study concludes that improved determination of requirements, timing and establishment of estimates/budget for works lead to better quality of building works. The study further concludes that improved specification of requirements, use of appropriate methods of source selection and contract award and placement lead to improved quality of building works. Lastly, it was established that improved project supervision, payment procedures and monitoring and evaluation of contractors improve quality of building works. The researcher therefore recommends that all tender plans need to be implemented in adherence to the PPDA Regulations; contracts should be signed and completed in time and finally, payments to contractors need to be done promptly. Further studies could also be carried on the role of contracts committees in the procurement management process.