By Deng Athian
The East African Procurement Forum has kicked off in Juba with the hope of strengthening transparency and accountability.
The event was conducted at the Bank of South Sudan conference hall, bringing together senior officials and regional delegates to advance reforms on transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public procurement across the region.
The forum is seen as a key platform for strengthening governance standards, enhancing oversight, and improving disclosure of beneficial ownership in procurement systems within East African Community member states.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Vice President James Wani Igga, alongside the Minister of Finance and Planning, Kuol Daniel Ayulo, and the Minister of East African Community Affairs, Pieng Deng Kuol.
In his remarks, Dr. Igga urged participants to prioritise integrity in procurement processes, stressing the need for stronger systems that promote accountability, reduce corruption risks, and ensure value for public resources.
He also called for deeper regional cooperation and practical implementation of agreed reforms.
Organised by the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority, the forum has attracted delegates from Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya, among others.
Held under the theme “Enhancing Beneficial Ownership Disclosure in Public Procurement Systems,” the discussions focus on improving transparency, accountability frameworks, and procurement governance across the region.
The forum is expected to conclude with recommendations aimed at strengthening regulatory systems and reinforcing regional cooperation in public procurement.