ICT Ministry Refutes Rumors of Vehicles Procurement Deal
Word has been circulating around, with indict reports of how the ministry of ICT and National guidance procured a vehicle at UGX 965 million.
The ministry through its PS has since come out to clear these rumors as inexact, misleading and geared to mar the reputation of the ministry.
“Contrary to the allegations made, it is crucial to clarify that the ministry procured two vehicles and not one” a statement circulated by the ministry read.
The statement further indicates that the vehicles procured are of the number plates UG 0057N and UG 0058N respectively.
Two vehicles, and not only one, were purchased “ensuring transparency and accountability” adding that “all requisite approvals, and processes were adhered to.”
Dr Aminah Zawedde said, incisively the procurement process was open bidding and strictly adhered to the guidelines set by the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets, and that the contacts were cleared by the office of the Solicitor General.
On Sunday 04/08/2024 afternoon, a statement defending the procurement process was released and has since been circulating.
The Statement
“We acknowledge the reports regarding the procurement of vehicles at the ministry f ICT and National Guidance which alleged the purchase of a single government vehicle for Ugx965 million,” said the ministry in the statement.
“It is crucial to clarify that as opposed (to) the allegation of a single costing that much, two vehicles were procured, not one.”
The ministry said the procurement process went through open bidding and strictly adhered to the guidelines set by the PPDA, and was equally cleared by the office of the Solicitor General.
Background
There have been reports that the Auditor General is investigating circumstances under which Dr Zawedde authorised payment of almost Shs 1bn to procure a vehicle from a car bond in Kampala.
Reports indicated that on August 31, 2022, Zawedde paid Cadam Enterprises Shs 965m for the supply of a Toyota Land Cruiser LC 300 VX to the Ministry of ICT, citing a reference number for the car purchase as PP1028377.
However, the Ministry has stated that they purchased two vehicles, as opposed to one, and were already registered as UG 0057N and UG 0058N and were available for anyone interested in inspecting them.