Covid-19 Effects and Responses in Kampala’s Informal Sector: Promises for Social Justice and Resilient Livelihoods in the Face of Multiple Crises

Abstract

Kampala continues to face multiple socioeconomic challenges arising from the Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath. The pandemic has had far-reaching implications for urban informal workers and residents. They continue to face the worst impacts of the pandemic, due to congestion, urban poverty and deficiencies in basic infrastructure – including roads, water, sanitation, energy and healthcare facilities. Yet recovery requires a lot of resources and time to address income insecurities, livelihood shocks, vulnerabilities and risks. There are multiple, interconnected risks facing Kampala’s informal communities and workers, which will require joined-up solutions. This briefing draws on the Covid Collective three-year research programme to outline the Covid-19 effects on informal workers and residents, along with their responses, and highlights promises for social justice and resilient livelihoods in the face of multiple crises in Kampala, Uganda.