A Historical Journey of Market Vendors’ Unionism in Uganda

For generations, market vendors in Uganda operated without formal recognition or protection. Before the 2000s, vendors faced:

• Arbitrary evictions by city authorities without compensation.

• Exploitative taxation and daily fees imposed by local governments.

• No legal representation, leaving them vulnerable to harassment and corruption.

• Poor working conditions, with many markets lacking sanitation, security, or proper infrastructure.

Women, who dominate the sector, bore the brunt of these challenges, enduring sexual harassment, confiscation of goods, and exclusion from decision-making processes.

The Birth of UMAEU: A Response to Injustice

In the early 2000s, a wave of labor activism swept across Uganda, with informal workers demanding recognition. Inspired by ILO Convention 204 (2015)—which called for the formalization of informal labor—vendors began organizing.

Key Milestones in UMAEU’s Formation:

1. 2008-2010: Grassroots Mobilization

   • Small vendor associations in Kampala, Jinja, and Mbale started holding meetings to discuss common grievances.

   • Leaders emerged, including market chairpersons and women vendors, who pushed for a unified national union.

2. 2012: Official Registration

   • UMAEU was formally registered under the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development (Labour Union No. 23).

   • It became the first union in Uganda exclusively representing market vendors and allied workers.

3. 2014: Affiliation with NOTU

   • UMAEU joined the National Organization of Trade Unions (NOTU), gaining a stronger platform for national advocacy.

4. 2015-2018: Landmark Victories

   • Successfully lobbied for market reforms in Kampala, reducing illegal fees.

   • Won court cases against forced evictions in Mbarara and Lira.

   • Partnered with NGOs to provide health and safety training for vendors.

UMAEU’s Role in Uganda’s Labor Movement

UMAEU’s emergence marked a turning point for Uganda’s informal workers, proving that even those outside traditional employment structures could organize effectively. Its success inspired other informal sector unions, such as:

• Boda-Boda (motorcycle taxi) associations

• Domestic workers’ unions

• Street vendors’ cooperatives

Challenges Overcome: From Persecution to Recognition

Early on, UMAEU faced resistance:

• Authorities initially dismissed vendors’ demands, seeing them as unorganized and powerless.

• Some leaders were arrested during protests against market evictions.

• Skepticism among vendors who feared retaliation if they joined.

However, persistent advocacy and visible wins—such as securing legal market spaces and reducing harassment—gradually built trust.

UMAEU Today: A Legacy of Resilience

From its humble beginnings, UMAEU has grown into a 400,000-strong union, with a presence in major markets nationwide. Its historical journey underscores key lessons:

1. Collective action works—even the most marginalized workers can demand change.

2. Women’s leadership is crucial—female vendors drove UMAEU’s growth.

3. Legal recognition matters—formalizing the informal sector protects workers.

The Future: Preserving the Legacy

UMAEU’s next phase involves:

• Digital mobilization to reach younger vendors.

• Expanding social protections (health insurance, pensions).

• Strengthening partnerships with government and international labor organizations.

As Nalongo Fatuma, a founding member in Owino Market, puts it:
“We started with nothing but our voices. Now, no one can ignore us.”