UCC engages suppliers at inaugural procurement conference

KAMPALA, 08-04-2026- The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has held its inaugural Suppliers’ Conference, bringing together government entities, private sector players, and development stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and unlock new business opportunities through improved procurement practices.

Held at Mestil Hotel in Kampala, the one-day engagement convened Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), suppliers, financial institutions, media, and consumer representatives under the theme: “Expanding business opportunities through procurement excellence.”

The conference marked a shift from traditional supplier engagements focused on bidding, to a more inclusive platform for dialogue, feedback, and collaboration. Opening the conference, UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo said the strong turnout reflected a growing appreciation among stakeholders for partnership-driven engagement.

The fact that you have come out in such good numbers for an engagement that is not centred on bidding, but on dialogue, partnership and shared growth, says a lot about your mindset,” he noted.

He emphasised the central role suppliers play in enabling the Commission to deliver on its mandate, describing them as key stakeholders rather than mere service providers. With over 70 percent of UCC’s budget channelled through procurement, Nyombi Thembo underscored the function’s strategic importance.

To strengthen governance and accountability, he revealed that the procurement function has been placed under the direct oversight of the Office of the Executive Director following a recent structural review.

While acknowledging that procurement can sometimes be perceived as contentious, Nyombi Thembo reiterated UCC’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and compliance with the law, with continued guidance from oversight bodies such as the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), Office of the Auditor General and Solicitor General, among others.

As part of efforts to modernise operations, the Commission is working towards fully digitising its procurement processes by the end of the year. This, he said, will deliver a seamless, end-to-end experience for stakeholders while reducing the cost of doing business.

Beyond efficiency, digitisation will enhance transparency and create a more responsive system for both UCC and our suppliers,” he said.

The Executive Director also highlighted the Commission’s growing reliance on data-driven decision-making to improve procurement outcomes, including analysing spending patterns, assessing supplier risks, and identifying market trends to optimise resource allocation.

He added that UCC is committed to streamlining processes, reducing procurement cycle times, and eliminating bottlenecks, while leveraging procurement as a tool for socio-economic transformation.

The Head of the Procurement and Disposal Unit, Moses Karuhanga, said the conference was designed to give suppliers deeper insight into UCC’s procurement plans and opportunities, while also providing a platform for two-way feedback.

Karuhanga outlined several strategic initiatives that UCC is prioritising to enhance efficiency in procurement. These include improved procurement planning and award strategies, Supplier Relationship Management (SRM), data-driven decision-making, and process optimisation through automation.

He also highlighted the Commission’s focus on promoting local content under the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda (BUBU) policy, as well as ensuring inclusiveness by supporting special interest groups and advancing sustainability through environmentally responsible practices.

According to Karuhanga, automation of procurement processes is already improving efficiency by reducing delays, lowering transaction costs, and increasing access to information. All bid opportunities, he noted, are published on the UCC website to ensure transparency and equal access.

Karuhanga emphasised that all procurement activities are conducted in line with the PPDA Act and Regulations, with strict adherence to principles of integrity, fairness, and accountability.

He encouraged suppliers to invest in technology, build capacity, and embrace continuous improvement to remain competitive in an evolving digital economy.

Besides hundreds of suppliers, the conference was also attended by representatives of both public and private entities involved in the procurement ecosystem, including National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), PPDA Appeals Tribunal, Uganda Revenue Authority and ABSA Bank.

The conference is poised to become an annual platform for engagement with suppliers and other key stakeholders, reinforcing UCC’s commitment to transparency in its procurement processes.