Summary:
- Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) faces scrutiny from Parliament over a mishandled contract with MFI Document Solutions, resulting in a loss of Shs180 million. Questions arise about due diligence and oversight, highlighting the need for enhanced accountability within public institutions.
Members of Parliament sitting on the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) have launched a probing inquiry into the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) over a loss of Shs180 million tied to a mishandled contract concerning the gorilla permit system.
The investigation, spurred by revelations from the December 2023 Auditor General’s report, has shed light on irregularities surrounding a contract awarded to MFI Document Solutions.
UWA had engaged MFI to develop software for booking and revenue collection for gorilla permits, with an initial investment of Shs180 million. However, the contract was terminated after MFI failed to deliver the software, despite receiving a substantial payment of Shs150 million.
During the parliamentary session chaired by Hon. Medard Sseggona on Monday, 18 March 2024, Jimmy Mugisa, Director of Finance and Administration at UWA, was tasked with explaining the lapse in due diligence during the contractor selection process.
Chairperson Sseggona raised pertinent questions regarding the suitability of MFI for software-related tasks, given its specialization in hardware. Mugisa defended UWA’s actions, citing adherence to standard procurement procedures and ongoing efforts to recover the initial payment through arbitration.
Stephen Masaba, Director of Tourism and Business Development at UWA, acknowledged the oversight regarding due diligence and revealed that other qualified bidders had been overlooked during the procurement process.
As the inquiry delved deeper, concerns were raised about the accountability within UWA’s hierarchy, particularly focusing on the role of the Contracts Committee and the absence of rigorous background checks. The committee members scrutinized the decision-making process behind awarding contracts to potentially unqualified firms.
Tensions escalated during the proceedings as Chemonges, the Deputy Director for Legal and Corporate Affairs at UWA, faced tough questioning regarding oversight responsibilities. Despite initial denials, Chemonges ultimately admitted to the lack of oversight, prompting further criticism from MP Sseggona.
Expressing grave concern over the financial repercussions and ongoing legal expenses incurred by UWA due to the oversight, MP Sseggona emphasized the importance of due diligence in safeguarding public funds.
“There is no justification for proceeding with a contract without due diligence. This lapse has cost us over Shs150 million, not to mention the ongoing legal expenses,” remarked Sseggona, also the Busiro County East MP.
The parliamentary inquiry into the mismanagement of the gorilla permit contract underscores the imperative for enhanced oversight and accountability within Uganda’s public institutions to prevent such financial losses in the future.
