Prime
Local printers clash with education ministry over book supply deals
During this meeting I will tell the President how Ministry of Education and Sports have blocked us from book tenders. This is not in line with Buy Uganda Build Uganda policy,” Rajesh Chaplot, a member of UPA
Kampala. Uganda Printers Association (UPA) has accused Ministry of Education and Sports of importing books thus denying local manufactures the tenders.
Mr Rajesh Chaplot, a member of UPA, said some officials at the ministry have deliberately blocked them from the business.
“We have written several letters to the ministry and other relevant government officials but no commitment has been given. Some claim we do not have the capacity to produce the required numbers and quality which is not true,” he said.
“Let government sign contracts with us and give us the specifications. If the machinery is not there, our members are willing to invest,” Mr Rajest told journalists on Saturday as he unveiled the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, the highest government of India award, bestowed on him by President of India Ram Nath Kovind on January 23.
He was awarded for promoting the honour and prestige of India and in fostering interests of overseas Indians.
Mr Rajesh, also a member of the Presidential Investors Round Table, said he was scheduled to meet President Museveni to thank the Uganda government for giving him opportunity to organise Indians in Uganda which enabled him get the award.
“During this meeting I will tell the President how Ministry of Education and Sports have blocked us from book tenders. This is not in line with Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) policy,” he said.
Mr Rajesh added that Uganda spends $30m (about Shs109 billion) on buying books abroad. If this would be spent locally, he would generate about 6,000 jobs to Ugandans.
The ministry’s Assistant Commissioner and Information Management, Mr Patrick Muinda, however, dismissed the claims.
“We do not recall buying books from foreign publishers for quite a long time. When we buy, it’s normally from local publishers and there is evidence to that effect. Procurement of books has not been frequent,” he said.
Mr Muinda said books have a life span and are bought when funds permit.
