The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance has broken its silence on the controversy surrounding the procurement of two vehicles, registered as UG 0057N and UG 0058N. In a statement released on Sunday, the ministry set the record straight, citing “inaccuracies and misinformation” in previous reports.
Earlier reports had indicated that the ministry procured a single vehicle at a staggering cost of over Ugx900 million, sparking widespread outrage and scrutiny. However, the ministry has now come forward to trash these claims as grossly inaccurate.
“We acknowledge the reports regarding the procurement of vehicles at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, which alleged the purchase of a single government vehicle for Ugx965 million,” the ministry stated. “However, we wish to clarify that two vehicles were procured, not one, through an open bidding process in accordance with established guidelines and protocols.”
The ministry emphasized that “all necessary approvals and procedures were followed” in the procurement process, and that the vehicles are available for public inspection.
The statement comes amid reports of an investigation by the Auditor General into the vehicle procurement deal. The ministry remains confident that due process was followed and that the scrutiny of the media and the public is essential in upholding the standards and integrity of public services.
“We value our media stakeholders for their interest in what we do and vigilance to such public procurements,” the ministry added. “Your scrutiny is essential in upholding the standards and integrity of public services.”
