Effect of E-Tendering Practices on Procurement Performance of State Corporations in Uganda

Aim: This study investigated the effect of e-tendering practices on the procurement performance of state corporations in Uganda. Methods: This research employed a descriptive research design. The target population consisted of 30 including procurement managers, accountants, and inventory department heads in the Ugandan State-owned corporations. Purposive sampling was used to select the procurement managers. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS Version 27 and analysis entailed Pearson’s correlation and regression analysis. The respondents were selected purposively. Data was collected using an open-ended questionnaire which helped in collecting both quantitative and qualitative data. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically and presented in a narrative form. The analyzed data was presented in the form of tables. Results: The results revealed a positive and significant relationship between e-tendering practices and the procurement performance of state corporations in Uganda. The null hypothesis was rejected, indicating that improvements in e-tendering positively impacted procurement performance. Conclusion: It was concluded that e-tendering practices significantly influence the procurement performance in Ugandan state-owned corporations. The findings revealed a strong positive relationship between e-tendering and procurement performance. Challenges such as inadequate staff training, sticking to traditional methods and infrastructural limitations were identified as barriers to the effective implementation of e-tendering. Recommendations: The study recommends that corporations prioritize regular training and capacity-building programs to enhance staff expertise and familiarity with e-tendering systems. Improving digital infrastructure by installing reliable internet to minimize system downtimes is essential. Additionally, procurement departments should work with e-tendering system service providers to develop more user-friendly interfaces and nurture prompt technical support to resolve system-related issues that may hamper effective procurement implementation.