Evaluating procurement delays with donor-funded road construction projects in Uganda

Abstract

This study examined how procurement delays impact donor-funded road projects in Uganda. Three objectives guided the study, that is, examination of the factors contributing to procurement delays on donor-funded road construction projects in Uganda, establishing the outcomes of procurement delays on donor-funded road construction projects in Uganda and finding out the strategies used to mitigate procurement delays on donor-funded construction projects in Uganda.

The study used a cross-sectional research design and employed quantitative and qualitative research approaches. It targeted a sample size of 62 respondents; however, only 55 respondents managed to respond. Data were collected from primary and secondary sources using questionnaires and an interview guide.

The study revealed that the key factors contributing to procurement delays on donor-funded construction projects include poor procurement planning, bureaucratic procurement procedures, the complex nature of some projects to be procured, and Donors' incompatible procurement rules with Ugandan rules on procurement. It was also revealed that the outcomes of procurements delays include project cost overruns, project time overrun, poor resource absorption, and reduced donor confidence. The study also revealed that to mitigate procurement delays in the construction of donor-funded projects, the government needs to strengthen public procurement policies, increase the adaptability of electronic procurement, and emphasise procurement planning with clear timelines and clear timelines for all procurement activities engaging consultants for complex procurements.

The study recommended that UNRA adopt electronic procurement as one of the ways of quickening the procurement process and creating transparency. Secondly, MoFPED, UNRA and Donor Agencies should harmonise the differences between national and donor procurement rules before starting any project. Lastly, the procurement unit at UNRA is staffed with enough qualified personnel to execute the procurement roles efficiently and effectively.