Leaders in Pader District are calling for the participation of local contractors in public procurement.
They argue that government spending should directly benefit the district’s economy and create opportunities for residents.
District Chairperson Alfred Akena says the Local Economic Development (LED) policy was designed to ensure that government investments generate economic benefits for the communities where projects are implemented.
He expresses concern that many district contracts continue to be awarded to companies from outside Pader, limiting opportunities for local businesses and workers.
According to Akena, prioritizing local contractors would help retain money within the district, stimulate business growth, and improve household incomes.
While acknowledging that some projects require specialized expertise unavailable locally, he questioned why relatively small-scale projects such as the construction of latrines and placenta pits are frequently awarded to firms from outside the district.
His remarks come amid growing complaints from local contractors who claim they are frequently excluded from procurement opportunities despite meeting the required qualifications.
However, some contractors allege that many contracts were awarded to companies based outside the district or to firms suspected of operating through proxy arrangements.
Efforts to access procurement records to verify concerns raised by contractors were unsuccessful.
By URN
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