In a recent ceremony held at the Ministry of Finance, eleven dedicated individuals from the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) emerged as catalysts of change in the realm of Strategic Public Procurement (SPP). Facilitated by the generous sponsorship of SIDA, MOFPED, and PPDA, these NWSC staff members underwent rigorous mentorship and training in the Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) program.
The event unfolded at a Ministry of Finance conference hall and was honored by the presence of Deputy Secretary to the Treasury, Patrick Ocailap, representing Finance Minister Hon. Matia Kasaija. Notable attendees included representatives from SIDA, MOFPED, PPDA, government officials, trainers, trainees, and various stakeholders invested in advancing sustainable procurement practices.
NWSC, as a utility and service-oriented organization, understands the crucial role it plays in communities and acknowledges its significant purchasing power for goods and services. Recognizing the value of implementing sustainable practices in their procurement processes, NWSC has taken a bold step forward.
Leading the charge is Dr. Rose Kaggwa, Director of Business and Scientific Services, who serves as the project champion. Alongside the distinguished change agents, the graduates of the program include; Aloysius Kaijuka, Joyce Bakiire, Nable Byaruhanga, Dr. Eng. Irene Nansubuga, Eng. Charles Kiyimba, William Luyinda, Edison Muzahura, Johnson Akanyijuka, Eng. Ronald Ayen, and Opedun Peter Mark.
Their collective responsibility encompasses the development of NWSC’s Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) policy, the integration of sustainability criteria into procurement guidelines, raising awareness of SPP within NWSC and among potential bidders, and incorporating sustainability requirements into goods and services specifications.
Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) is a crucial concept globally, gaining momentum as governments and organizations strive to achieve their Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. With a surge in interest, SPP is seen as a substantial means of ensuring that procurement policies and practices generate benefits not only for the organizations involved but also for the environment, society, and the economy.
The partnership between Crown Agents and FCG, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), has taken a leading role in developing SPP practices through the Global Capacity Development Programme on Sustainable Public Procurement. This program aims to support increased SPP practices in partner countries, fostering collaboration to accelerate sustainable procurement practices globally.
The prominence of Sustainable Public Procurement is grounded in several key realizations. Studies have shown that procurement activities constitute a substantial percentage of a nation’s expenditure, impacting economic growth and development. Additionally, procurement practices wield significant environmental consequences, leading to resource depletion, pollution, and environmental degradation.
NWSC, by embedding sustainability criteria into its procurement policies, aims to foster environmentally friendly practices, promote fair and ethical sourcing, support local economies, and encourage innovation towards more sustainable products and services. While the concept initially gained traction in developed countries, NWSC recognizes the importance of adopting and implementing sustainable procurement practices globally.
Notably, this transformative journey was made possible by the support of the Board of NWSC, and the Managing Director, Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha, the Management Committee, country mentors, and sponsors of the program.
