Disabling governance: Privatisation of city markets and implications for vendors‟ associations in Kampala, Uganda

Abstract:
This article looks at vendors' associations in Kampala, Uganda, with special focus on how privatization of city markets has affected these associations. Traditionally, market associations have been responsible for managing the markets and providing services to their members. As a result of changes in legislation and privatization of the markets, associations are no longer allowed to be in charge of managing their markets, and have been replaced by private companies or cooperatives. Some of the associations have formed companies or cooperatives, but most have been excluded from managing the markets. In some markets, associations are no longer allowed. As a result of privatization, the vendors are experiencing harder working conditions and feel like they can no longer appeal to the City Council that tends to side with the companies running the markets.
This article compares the cases of two markets, one that was taken over by a private company, and one that is now managed by a cooperative. While the vendors are satisfied with the management of the market by a cooperative, it is problematic that the cooperative only has a small membership, as compared to the market association that was open for everyone. As a consequence of privatization, the market vendors are increasingly losing their representative body. However, attempts by the National Union to build stronger links with informal workers may offer some hope for stronger future organization amongst the vendors.