Public procurement compliance and procurement performance of selected public authorities in Kampala, Uganda

Abstract

The researcher examined the effect of procurement compliance levels on procurement performance in selected public enterprises which include Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). The specific objectives were to assess the effect of compliance to record keeping, procurement planning, procurement reporting and contract management requirements on procurement performance in selected PDEs. The study employed a correlational research design. A sample of 87 respondents were selected out of a population of 114 from UNRA, KCCA and Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) staff. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaires and qualitative data through interviews and documents review. The study findings revealed that there is no compelling relationship between an entity’s compliance to record keeping requiements and the performance of the procuring entities. There was a significant relationship between compliance to procurement planning and procurement performance and procurement performance is explained by compliance to procurement planning up to 41%. There is a moderate positive relationship between compliance to procurement reporting and procurement performance and procurement performance is explained by compliance to procurement reporting up to 22%. There is a strong positive relationship between compliance to contract management and procurement performance and procurement performance is explained by compliance to contract management requirements up to 50%. The study concludes that adherence to the compliance requirements as stated in the public procurement law will evidently lead to efficient and effective procurement performance. Therefore, the study recommends among others that there is need to adopt electronic information systems, strengthen identification of needs through thorougher involvement of all stakeholders in the planning process, development of guidelines to enhance thorougher market price assessment during the planning process. The procurement law should provide for sactions to entity staff that do not adhere to the required reporting timelines. Entities should put in placeinternal mechanisms that will motivate contract supervisors to ensure procurements are completed within planned money value and time and the PPDA should conduct regular compliance checks to ensure that entities are adhering to the compliance requirements and provide timely interventions.