The Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajat Minsa Kabanda, has cautioned contractors and suppliers that failing to meet environmental and sustainability requirements will lead to strict penalties, as the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) intensifies its efforts toward greener and more transparent supply chains.
While addressing participants at the 5th KCCA Suppliers’ Conference on Thursday at Imperial Royale Hotel, Kabanda emphasized that government will not tolerate service providers who disregard environmental protections.
“The days of shortcuts, neglecting environmental measures, or putting profits ahead of the public good are finished,” Kabanda stated. “Any supplier who does not adhere to sustainability and environmental standards will face consequences. The government will back those who innovate responsibly, but we will firmly deal with those who fall short.”
The conference, themed “Sustainable Supply Chain Management for Eco-System Conservation,” brought together suppliers, contractors, regulatory bodies, and government agencies to explore how procurement can support environmentally friendly development.
Under the PPDA Act—specifically Section 61A—all procuring entities must incorporate environmental protection, social inclusion, and innovation into their procurement choices, a requirement KCCA says it is enforcing without compromise.
Kabanda reiterated government expectations: “Development must not destroy the ecosystems that sustain life in our city. All infrastructure should be planned and built with long-term resilience, environmental care, and sustainable value at the forefront.”
KCCA Executive Director Hajat Sharifah Buzeki stressed that sustainability should inform every phase of the procurement chain—from sourcing materials to transportation, storage, and final delivery.
“Sustainable supply chain practices are now mandatory, not optional,” she said. “Every action must safeguard ecosystems, reduce environmental impact, and enhance people’s well-being. These figures show our commitment—sustainability is not just talk; it is something we are actively financing and executing.”
Buzeki highlighted that in the 2024/25 financial year, KCCA handled a budget of UGX 819 billion, of which 80 percent (UGX 659 billion) went through procurement processes, with sustainability principles embedded in all agreements. For FY2025/26, KCCA is set to implement UGX 802 billion—84 percent of its UGX 952 billion budget—through procurement.
“These allocations demonstrate our dedication to greener operations, safer work environments, and inclusive economic progress,” she noted.
She also emphasized that sustainable supply chains should create opportunities for young people, women, and vulnerable groups through employment, training, and safe working conditions.
Buzeki further called for strong environmental safeguards, encouraging suppliers to use low-carbon materials, cut emissions, conserve wetlands, and properly manage construction waste through recycling.
She urged participants to take an active role in shaping the city’s future.
“You are caretakers of Kampala’s tomorrow,” she said. “Together, we can green our city once again—restore wetlands, protect natural resources, and ensure that every contract benefits both the environment and the community.”
Doreen Akatuhwera, Head of the KCCA Procurement and Disposal Unit, delivered a pointed message to manufacturers about their environmental responsibilities.
“Manufacturers, are you comfortable seeing your products floating in our lakes and rivers or clogging our drainage systems?” she asked. “What you produce must be handled responsibly from the factory to disposal.”
Akatuhwera explained that the conference sought to increase understanding of sustainable supply chains, highlight KCCA’s achievements in ecosystem conservation, and strengthen collaboration among suppliers, regulators, and private sector partners.
