Uganda’s economy and covid-19 pandemic: Implications, lessons and proposals on a way forward

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted supply chains and exacerbated existing vulnerabilities in Uganda. In a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19, the Government of Uganda put in place a number of measures including restrictions on transport and closure of non-essential businesses among others. This has greatly affected the country’s economy and livelihoods as lives are being lost and unemployment rates continue to spike. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) which account for approximately 90% of Uganda’s Private Sector, generating over 80% of manufactured output and contributing approximately 20% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)1 have been hit most by the pandemic through the supply, demand and financial related shocks.