The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Uganda hosted its 9th annual Suppliers Forum on Wednesday. The forum brought together suppliers, procurement professionals, business leaders, and key stakeholders in a high-impact conversation on the theme of “Unlock the Future of Procurement.”
Held at Mestil Hotel in Nsambya, Kampala, the forum served as a platform for dialogue on the evolving procurement landscape, digital innovation, and the drive towards sustainability, transparency, and collaborative partnerships.
In his keynote address, Patrick Ayota, Managing Director of NSSF Uganda, emphasised the Fund’s commitment to value creation across all procurement processes.
“We recognise that every shilling spent must create value not only in cost efficiency, but in service quality, risk management, and positive social impact,” Ayota said. “As of the last Financial Year, the value of our procurements totalled UGX 827.1 billion.”
Ayota unveiled a three-pillar strategy guiding the Fund’s procurement transformation: Automation and Digital Transformation, Sustainability and ESG Compliance and Strategic Partnerships.
“AI, automation, blockchain, and e-procurement platforms are no longer futuristic – they’re revolutionising how we work,” he noted. “Data-driven decision-making is now central to ensuring cost optimisation and transparency.”
“We are embedding ethical sourcing and green supply chain principles. Compliance with global sustainability regulations is no longer optional—it’s the standard,” Ayota emphasized.
“In the past, buyer-supplier relationships were transactional. Today, collaboration and shared goals with suppliers bring far greater long-term value,” he stated. “NSSF is championing a partnership philosophy—moving from buying from suppliers to building with them.”
The Fund’s Head of Procurement and Disposal Unit, Dan Mugura, echoed these sentiments, pointing to technology and resilience as crucial enablers.
“Digital transformation isn’t the future—it’s already here,” Mugura said. “We’re integrating AI and big data to drive automation, improve supplier relationships, and strengthen transparency.”
Mugura also acknowledged modern challenges facing supply chains, including geopolitical instability, pandemics, and natural disasters.
“We must develop robust contingency plans. The demand for transparency, agility, and eco-friendly practices is higher than ever,” he explained. “For the next 12 to 36 months, we’re focused on measurable goals to build a resilient and inclusive procurement ecosystem.”
On the supplier side, Ssengendo Edward Kkubo, Director of Monil Cleaning and Fumigation Services Ltd, urged fellow contractors to prioritize compliance and active participation.
“Compliance is key in the bidding process—and so is financial soundness,” Kkubo said. “If you are the director, be the one to attend bid meetings. That’s where relationships begin. Don’t delegate this to staff who might not represent your business well.”
Throughout the forum, participants engaged in panel discussions, knowledge-sharing, and strategic networking, reinforcing the message that procurement in Uganda is rapidly evolving—from paperwork and price-checking to purpose-driven partnerships and innovation.