Mitigating the Socio-Economic Impacts of COVID-19 on MSMEs in Uganda
The pandemic has disrupted the Ugandan economy from macro to micro levels. Notably, the policy responses at the macro level have exposed the vulnerabilities of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
This calls for a methodology that articulates the macro-micro linkages (in terms of fiscal, monetary, and regulatory responses) during and after the covid-19 pandemic.
This study will carry out a quantitative analysis of the macroeconomic data before and after the covid-19 pandemic.
Both qualitative and quantitative methods will be employed in the generation of relevant data generation and engagement. The study seeks to make substantial contributions to the evidence, research uptake, and capacity building.
The Objectives
- Generate timely up-to-date data to assess and monitor the impact of the pandemic on MSMEs and households.
- Assess the appropriateness of the monetary, fiscal, and regulatory responses that have been adopted in Uganda to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on MSMEs in the immediate, short, medium, and long term.
Expected Outcome
Uganda-specific data and evidence generated on MSMEs to inform public policy, business practices, innovations, and community responses to COVID-19.
Target Audience
- Covid-19 taskforce
- Ministry of Finance
- Bank of Uganda
- Other ministries, including Trade, Local Government, and Gender
- Parliament
- President’s Office
- Development partners i.e World Bank, GIZ, DFID
- CSOs and private sector associations
- Individual MSMEs
Read more about the project in Uganda and other countries: here
Read our latest research under this project here:
The plight of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises amidst COVID-19. A post-lockdown analysis.
The effect of COVID-19 on the operations of agro-processing SMEs in Uganda
The effect of COVID-19 on the operations of agro-processing SMEs in Uganda
Media coverage
The project has received enormous coverage from the media both local and international;
Newspaper Cover: Our latest research under the project made to the cover of the Observer Newspaper, detailing the business mortality and jobs carnage that different spells of covid-19 lockdowns caused among MSMEs. Read the story here
Watch NTV Uganda video here: 400,000 JOBS LOST TO COVID: New economic report paints gloomy picture
Daily Monitor: How Covid-19 pandemic has left deep scars on businesses, jobs. Read Here
Funder
Project Team

Sarah N. Ssewanyana (PhD)
Project Supervisor

Swaibu Mbowa (PhD)
Project Member

Ibrahim Kasirye (PhD)
Project Manager

Ass. Prof Julius Kiiza
Project Member

Francis Mwesigye (PhD)
Project Member

Mildred Barungi (PhD)
Project Member

Mr. Corti Paul Lakuma
Project Member

Mr. Tony Odokonyero
Project Member

Peace Musiimenta (PhD)
Project Member
Project Videos
How COVID-19 Containment affected small businesses in Uganda
In Uganda, Covid-19 is much more than a public health crisis
COVID 19 impact on MSMEs in Uganda: Research by EPRC with support from IDRC, Canada
Ordinary Ugandans speak about how COVID-19 restrictions have affected them
COVID-19 impact on micro, small and medium businesses in Uganda
Blogs
Harnessing technology for business recovery and survival in times of COVID-19
How adequate, accessible and sustainable are government’s COVID-19 stimulus packages for MSMEs?
COVID-19 and subsequent preventive measures have had the largest impact on MSMEs
Financial inclusion of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) during the Covid-19 pandemic
Nearly half a million jobs lost since breakout of Covid-19 – EPRC study
COVID-19 and e-learning in Uganda: How can the education access inequality gap be closed?
MSMEs in Uganda far from being resilient – EPRC Study
For upcountry hoteliers, recovery is agonizingly slow
Building Women Enterprises’ Recovery and Resilience
Study paints grim picture of private schools as country locks up again