Mwakasungula raises concerns over alleged interference in ESCOM procurement
Governance and human rights campaigner Undule Mwakasungula has expressed concern over reports suggesting political involvement in procurement activities at the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM).
In a statement, Mwakasungula stressed the importance of allowing ESCOM to manage its procurement processes independently and in accordance with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Act of 2025.
He argued that procurement decisions should be guided by established regulations and professional assessments rather than external influence.
His comments follow reports surrounding the selection of a company tasked with supplying transformers to ESCOM.
Documents circulating in the public domain allegedly indicate that officials from the Office of the President and Cabinet sought details about the ownership of the company, including whether its proprietor was known to government authorities.
The reports have sparked debate over the possibility of political influence in the awarding of contracts.
According to Mwakasungula, such allegations could undermine public trust in procurement systems and raise concerns about transparency and accountability.
He also suggested that some government officials may be providing advice that could negatively affect the management and independence of state-owned enterprises.
He has called for a review of the procurement process and urged authorities to ensure that ESCOM’s technical experts are given the responsibility to identify the most qualified contractor based on competence and merit.
Mwakasungula further appealed to the Office of the President and Cabinet, including the Chief Secretary, to avoid actions that could be perceived as influencing procurement outcomes.
Additionally, he has asked the Anti-Corruption Bureau to investigate the matter thoroughly in order to establish the facts and maintain public confidence in the country’s procurement procedures.
