KCCA TO HOST 4TH SUPPLIERS’ CONFERENCE FOCUSED ON SOCIAL INCLUSION AND SUSTAINABILITY

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) is set to host its fourth Suppliers’ Conference in its journey toward creating a more sustainable and inclusive city.

On December 6, 2024, key players in public procurement, development, and urban management will convene at the Imperial Royale Hotel Kampala for the highly anticipated KCCA Suppliers’ Conference.

Under the theme “Enhancing Social Inclusion in Public Procurement for a Sustainable City” the conference aims to strengthen the vital relationship between buyers and supplier and the impact it has on the supply chain management -a cornerstone for efficient service delivery in the city.

According to Frank Rusa the Ag. Executive Director, KCCA, this year’s event is particularly significant.

“This year’s conference is pivotal as it will highlight KCCA’s ongoing efforts to promote the sustainable city while sensitizing stakeholders on avenues for social inclusion in public procurement,” Rusa explained.

“We will also call upon stakeholders to embrace this agenda to collectively build a sustainable, inclusive, and livable city.”

The conference will serve as a platform for rich discussions on pressing topics shaping public procurement and urban development. These include embedding social inclusion in project development, procurement laws, and monitoring the implementation of the same throughout the project cycle. The agenda also prioritizes local content strategies in contract management, focusing on empowering marginalized groups such as women, youth, and people with disabilities.

The event promises to deliver impactful outcomes. Key among them will be a more compliant and knowledgeable supplier base, a shared commitment to achieving the city’s vision, and strengthened relationships between KCCA and its suppliers.

Doreen T. Akatuhwera, KCCA’s Deputy Director of Procurement and Disposal, said the development partners will gain deeper insights into collaborative opportunities, and stakeholders will be better equipped with strategies for sustainable urban development and inclusive procurement practices.

“This conference is more than just a dialogue; it’s a call to action for all stakeholders to actively participate in shaping the city’s future through innovative and inclusive procurement practices,” Akatuhwera emphasized.

The Kampala City Roads Rehabilitation Project (KCRRP), which aims to address critical road infrastructure in the city by constructing over 70km of roads is one initiative that embodies KCCA’s commitment to sustainability.

Under this project, contractors are required to adopt eco-friendly measures such as tree planting and erosion control while prioritizing road safety and social protection. The project also features gender-sensitive initiatives, such as equal employment opportunities and the construction of facilities tailored to women’s needs.

The KCRRP underscores KCCA’s broader vision of inclusive urban development. By incorporating public amenities like street lighting, public toilets, and specialized markets for women vendors, the project demonstrates how procurement can address both infrastructural and social needs. Additionally, initiatives to skill women and youth further illustrate the Authority’s dedication to empowering vulnerable groups.

As Kampala continues its transformation into a modern city, KCCA’s efforts in public procurement stand as a testament to its commitment to equity and sustainability.

The Suppliers’ Conference underscores the authority’s recognition that procurement is not merely a transactional process but a strategic lever for social inclusion and urban resilience.

By fostering stronger buyer-supplier relationships and ensuring compliance with sustainable procurement practices, the conference represents a significant step toward enhancing service delivery for all stakeholders.