Procurement processes and operational efficiency of public entities in Uganda, a case study of Uganda revenue authority (URA)

Abstract

The study established the relationship between procurement processes and operational efficiency of public entities in Uganda. A Case of Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). The study adopted a correlational and cross-sectional design, utilizing a purely quantitative approach. The study targeted a population of 150 which consisted of staff of URA, Adjumani office. Data was collected through questionnaires and analyzed using frequency and percentage tables, mean & SD, correlation and regression analysis. Regression results indicated procurement processes in form of supplier selection, tendering and contract management strongly contributed positively to operational efficiency of URA by 69.9%. Correlation results showed that there was a positive and strong relationship between supplier selection and operational efficiency of URA (r= 0.775); a positive and strong relationship between tendering and operational efficiency of URA (r = 0.736); a positive and strong relationship between contract management and operational efficiency of URA (r = 0.675). The study concludes that that procurement processes in form of supplier selection, tendering and contract management strongly contributed positively to operational efficiency of URA. The study recommends that management of URA through its procurement departments to carry out supplier selection process in the organisation in order to identify and remove barriers for international competitive tendering identified by this study that may limit the effectiveness of the organisation; prioritize regular training and capacity-building programs to enhance staff expertise and familiarity with e-tendering systems, and pay keen attention to all dimensions of contract management adopted in this study.