According to campaigners, much of this work is unsafe, poorly paid, and often unsafe, with workers typically earning less than the minimum wage, not receiving sick leave or paid vacation, and vulnerable to exploitation by employers and executives. Huh.
The COVID-19 pandemic hit informal workers hardest around the world – and one in two people in low-income countries saw their earnings drop, US-based polling company Gallup found.
In Uganda, where more than 40% of the country’s 45 million people live in extreme poverty on less than $2.15 a day, according to the World Bank, restrictions related to the pandemic were longer and stricter than in many of its neighboring countries .
Schools and many businesses were closed for two years, inter-district travel and open markets were banned, and bars, nightclubs and other entertainment activities were closed, cutting off income for many Ugandans. were unable to earn.
A study published this month by Uganda’s Ministry of Finance found that less than 5% of informal businesses received any form of financial support from the government during the pandemic.
“This can be attributed to the fact that a large proportion of government support during the crisis primarily targeted formal business,” the study said.
‘I am suffering’
Social equality campaigners said the government should learn lessons from the impact of COVID-19 and Ebola restrictions and support workers outside the formal economy.
The measures could include prohibiting the repossession of vehicles used for taxi services, or providing interest-free loans to informal businesses, he said.
Informal workers interviewed by Context said Ebola restrictions left them unable to afford food for their families, pay children’s school fees, or meet loan repayments.
Namande Agnes, 25, a food vendor in Mubende district, 135 km (84 miles) from Kampala, said she had borrowed 450,000 shillings ($123) to invest in her roadside stall, but was forced to withdraw due to Ebola restrictions. had fallen behind in its repayments. ,
“I am suffering…the bank will come and take my land,” said Agnes, who sells local fast food such as roast chicken, bananas and chips.
“One thing (the) government should do is talk to the banks on our behalf,” he said.