Enhancing Gender-Responsive Governance in Uganda’s Urban Food Markets: Policy Options from St. Balikuddembe (Owino) and Kalerwe
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Date
2025
Authors
Gitau, Raphael
Baine, Euzobia M. Mugisha
Ninsiima, Racheal
Chelang'a, Naomi C.
Korir, Emily
Wekesa, Bright
Harawa, Philip Philemon
Shashi, Njile Isack
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AERC
Abstract
Urban food markets in Kampala and Wakiso are critical for food access, employment, and women’s enterprise. Women drive food vending but operate under conditions marked by poor sanitation, insecure stall tenure, fragmented governance, and uneven enforcement. These gaps limit their earnings, compromise their safety, and constrain their economic empowerment. Uganda’s Constitution (1995) and several laws and policies, including the National Gender Policy (2007), Markets Act (Cap. 94), Public Health Act (Cap. 281), and Domestic Violence Act (2010), provide a framework for equality and safe workplaces. However, practical implementation in St. Balikuddembe (Owino) and Kalerwe remains gender-blind, with persistent gaps in gender specific infrastructure, grievance redress, and fee transparency. This brief, developed under the Policy Analysis for Sustainable and Healthy Foods in African Retail Markets (PASHFARM) initiative, draws on evidence from St. Balikuddembe (Owino) and Kalerwe markets. Using a qualitative approach guided by Kabeer’s Social Relations Framework, it highlights gender-related constraints, vendor experiences, and opportunities for policy action to build more inclusive and equitable market governance.