Corruption in Public Procurement and its Implication on Public Service Delivery and Development in Uganda

Although public procurement is prone to corruption, its extent and impact vary across countries. This inquiry posits that without understanding the magnitude and consequences of corruption, efforts to prioritize anti-corruption measures and develop appropriate strategies to enhance value for money in government spending will be significantly undermined. This paper presents an empirical study on the impact of corruption in public procurement on public service delivery and development in Uganda. The research is based on the surging complexity of corruption in public procurement—a critical function of service delivery, whose effective management is essential for achieving Uganda’s development goals. The study reveals that corrupt practices by stakeholders at all procurement stages indicate a collusion between internal and external actors, undermining the objective of delivering value for money in government acquisitions to Ugandans. The findings show that corruption in public procurement weakens public service delivery when a significant portion of the budget intended for this purpose is misappropriated. This corruption in acquiring public services, goods, and works deprives the majority of Ugandans of a decent living and better livelihoods, reduces the quality and quantity of public services, and increases costs, disproportionately affecting the poor and other vulnerable groups. It hampers economic growth and development by raising the cost of doing business and obstructing strategic investments and entrepreneurship. This article underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms aimed at improving the Ugandan governance system, strengthening criminal prosecution, and enhancing efficiency, effectiveness, and economy to combat corruption in public procurement.