UDN, ACCU Integrated into PPDA’s Contract Monitoring System to boost transparency.

In a bold move to strengthen transparency, citizen oversight & accountability in public procurement, The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) has onboarded two Civil Society Organizations of Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda (ACCU) and the Uganda Debt Network (UDN) onto its Contract Monitoring System (CMS).

This was sealed at the PPDA–URF Towers on 7^th August 2025, presided over by the Executive Director of PPDA, Mr.  Benson Turamye, while signing the Memorandum of understanding with ACCU & UDN

This move, according to PPDA, will go a long way in strengthening accountability and citizen participation, following a three-day training session at the PPDA–URF Towers in Kampala, 5^th  August 2025, aimed at providing ACCU and UDN with hands-on experience in using the CMS effectively, laying a strong foundation for improved contract monitoring and citizen-driven accountability.

The PPDA Executive Director, Benson Turamye, highlighted the Authority’s commitment to transparency, fighting corruption, and ensuring effective service delivery.

“The involvement of Civil Society Organizations in contract monitoring is not just about oversight, but about empowering citizens to demand accountability from duty bearers. Together, we can ensure that public procurement truly delivers results,” he said

During the training session 

Contract Monitoring System (CMS):

Developed and upgraded with support from GIZ Uganda, the CMS is a digital tool designed to collect data on government contract implementation, especially in areas where PPDA’s physical reach is limited. By leveraging the widespread presence of CSOs, the system allows for real-time monitoring, data analysis, and timely interventions to curb poor contract management. The ED noted that the CMS will help eliminate shoddy works, prevent ghost payments, and reduce the occurrence of abandoned projects.

Speaking on behalf of GIZ, Martin Waiswa, Advisor on Rule of Law, Democracy, and Good Governance, commended the initiative and urged the newly onboarded CSOs to remain impartial:

“A warm welcome to newly onboarded CSOs, UDN & ACCU. We urge you to uphold neutrality and stay clear of partisan politics. PPDA is a non-political agency committed to ensuring accountability and service delivery for the common good of citizens.”

PPDA–CSO–PDE Engagement Framework:

The PPDA–CSO–PDE Engagement Framework, since its establishment in 2019, PPDA has already partnered with 28 CSOs across Uganda. The addition of ACCU and UDN further strengthens this network of what the ED referred to as “foot soldiers” in the fight for better procurement outcomes and sustainable national development.

Ishimimaana Jenice (L) shakes hands with PPDA ED Turamye after MOU signing 

According to Ishimimaana Jenice- Director of Programmes at UDN while applauding PPDA leadership, said that the collaboration will bring a ray of hope for citizens to become more responsive to procurement processes.

“Our collaboration with PPDA is a significant step toward closing this gap. UDN commends the leadership of PPDA for embracing collaboration with civil society, and for your openness to co-create solutions with non-state actors. It is this spirit of openness that gives us hope that the procurement space can become more citizen-responsive, data-informed, and ultimately, more developmental,” she said

Jenice added that  “For over two decades, UDN has been at the forefront of advocating for fiscal discipline, citizen participation, and prudent public financial management in Uganda. One of the most critical yet often vulnerable areas in this effort is public procurement, where large amounts of public resources are spent, often away from public scrutiny.”  

She said that the collaboration is very timely to the current situation of Uganda’s rising debt.

“We believe this collaboration comes at a critical time, as Uganda continues to grapple with rising public debt and constrained resources. Every shilling must count, and that means ensuring procurement is not just lawful but also efficient, inclusive, and value-driven” she added.