IDRC-COVID-19: Responses for Equity (CORE) Initiative

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 our latest research under this project here:

Full Report: The Socio-Economic Impact of Covid-19 on Business Enterprises in Uganda: Evidence from Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Abridged Report: The Socio-Economic Impact of Covid-19 On Business Enterprises in Uganda: Evidence From Micro, Small And Medium-Sized Enterprises

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

A Rapid Assessment of the Effect of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Livelihoods and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in Uganda

A Rapid Assessment of the Effect of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Micro, Small and Medium Transport businesses in Uganda

The effect of COVID-19 on the operations of agro-processing SMEs in Uganda

The effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on Ugandan businesses: A comparison of the 2020 and the 2021 lockdowns

The plight of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises amidst COVID-19: A post lockdown analysis based on Business Climate Survey

School reopening in Uganda after the COVID-19 lockdowns: preparedness, attrition, challenges and prospects for recovery

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