Transforming Lives of Market Vendors in Uganda

Kampala, Uganda – In the bustling markets of Uganda, from Kampala’s crowded stalls to roadside vendors in Gulu, the Uganda Markets and Allied Employees Union (UMAEU) has become a beacon of hope for thousands of workers. As one of the largest labor unions in the informal sector, UMAEU has been instrumental in improving the livelihoods of market vendors through advocacy, education, and collective bargaining.r.

Why UMAEU Matters

Market vendors, often overlooked in labor discussions, form the backbone of Uganda’s economy. Many face challenges such as unfair taxation, harassment from local authorities, unsafe working conditions, and lack of social protections. UMAEU steps in to address these issues, ensuring that market workers—especially women, who make up 70% of its membership—have a strong, unified voice.

Key Benefits of UMAEU to Market Vendors

1. Stronger Advocacy for Workers’ Rights

UMAEU actively engages with local governments and policymakers to push for fair treatment of vendors. Through protests, negotiations, and legal interventions, the union has successfully:

• Reduced arbitrary fees and taxes imposed on vendors.

• Stopped unlawful evictions from market spaces.

• Fought for legal recognition of informal workers under Uganda’s labor laws.

2. Improved Working Conditions

Many markets in Uganda lack proper sanitation, security, and infrastructure. UMAEU has been at the forefront of demanding better facilities, including:

• Cleaner and safer market environments to prevent disease outbreaks.

• Protection against harassment from city enforcement officers.

• Access to clean water and sanitation facilities in major markets.

3. Empowering Women Vendors

With 70% of its members being women, UMAEU prioritizes gender equality by:

• Offering business and financial literacy training to help women grow their enterprises.

• Advocating for maternity protections and childcare support in markets.

• Fighting against sexual harassment and exploitation in the workplace.

4. Collective Bargaining for Better Policies

UMAEU negotiates directly with market authorities, local governments, and the Ministry of Labour to secure:

• Fair licensing fees to prevent exploitation.

• Access to social security and health benefits for informal workers.

• Inclusion in government poverty alleviation programs, such as the Emyooga initiative.

5. Post-COVID-19 Recovery Support

The pandemic hit market vendors hard, with many losing income due to lockdowns. UMAEU has been critical in:

• Lobbying for relief funds to help vendors recover.

• Providing training on digital payments to adapt to changing business trends.

• Reconnecting displaced vendors with their workspaces.

Success Stories

• Jinja Central Market vendors reported a 30% reduction in illegal fees after UMAEU’s negotiations with municipal leaders.

• Women in Kampala’s Nakasero Market now have a designated breastfeeding area, thanks to union advocacy.

• Street vendors in Mbale were spared from mass evictions after UMAEU secured a court injunction.

What Vendors Say

“Before UMAEU, we suffered in silence—paying bribes, facing harassment, and working in terrible conditions. Now, we have a voice,” says Nalongo Sarah, a vegetable seller in Owino Market.

“The training I received helped me grow my business from a small stall to supplying supermarkets,” shares Mukasa John, a member from Lira Market.

Join UMAEU Today!

With over 400,000 members and growing, UMAEU continues to fight for the dignity and rights of market workers. Vendors interested in joining can visit UMAEU offices or contact the our office for registration.

“Alone, we are weak. Together, through UMAEU, we are strong!