E-procurement Practices and Performance of Purchasing Function in Selected Local Governments. A Case Study of Kyengera Town Council, Wakiso District, Uganda

Abstract

The study examined the relationship between electronic procurement and performance of purchasing function of Kyengera town council. The specific objectives included (i) To assess the relationship between E- sourcing and performance of purchasing function (ii) To explore the relationship between E- negotiation and performance of purchasing function (iii) To establish the relationship between E- ordering and performance of purchasing function. The study applied a cross-sectional research design and used a sample size of 168 respondents. The study used simple random and purposive sampling as sampling techniques. Data was collected using questionnaire and interview guide and response rate was 78% and 80% respectively. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and correlation and regression analysis while qualitative data was analysed using content and thematic analysis. Quantitative study findings revealed a positive and significant relationship between E- sourcing and performance of purchasing function (r = .825**, Sig = .000). Furthermore, there was a positive and significant relationship between E- negotiation and performance of purchasing function (r = .765**, Sig = .000). Lastly there was a positive and significant relationship between E- ordering and performance of purchasing function (r = .772**, Sig = .000). Qualitative findings revealed that electronic procurement has played a critical role in increasing p performance of purchasing function. The study concluded that the better adoption of electronic procurement, the higher performance of purchasing function of selected local governments in Uganda. The study recommends that procurement manager should streamline requirements definition and carry out pre-qualifying potential suppliers. Secondly, procurement manager should improve price negotiation and develop payment terms. Lastly, procurement manager should generate requisitions and purchase