The Ministry of Finance has released two new guidelines that underscore the government’s commitment to equitably empower all citizens of Uganda.

The communication was made by Hon. Henry Musasizi, the Minister of State for Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, on March 21, 2024, during his address to the press on issues pertaining the regulation of procurement processes in Uganda at the Uganda Media Centre.

“I am pleased to unveil the Guidelines on Reservation Schemes to Promote the Participation of Local Providers in Public Procurement. This guideline, issued under Sections 50(2), 59B, and 97 of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) Act, 2003, marks a pivotal moment in our procurement system,” Musasizi said.

The Minister added that the guidelines are aimed at outlining measures to reserve certain procurement for national, resident, and East African Community contractors, suppliers, manufacturers, and consultants.

“The second guideline is on the long-awaited reservation schemes to promote the participation of registered associations of women, youth, and persons with disabilities,” Musasizi said.

He added that the second guideline aims at facilitating the participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in public procurement processes.

Women, youth, and PWDs will be supported by procuring and disposing of entities to participate and partake in opportunities in government contracting for all procurement within certain thresholds and at least 15% of the entities’ procurement budgets.