Juakali Initiative Uganda
A non-profit organisation that is dedicated to defending and advocating for the rights of informal workers. We find our origin in the Swahili word “Juakali”. Juakali means informal work. In 2019, unemployed young graduates and vendors decided to secure legal assistance for informal workers, especially street vendors later come to be known as Hustlers’ Transformation Initiative until it was registered as Juakali Initiative.
Our values are at the heart of our advocacy, guiding us in our mission to promote the rights and improve the lives of informal sector workers around the world.
01
We are deeply committed to social justice, striving to ensure that all informal sector workers are treated fairly, regardless of their background or circumstances.
02
We advocate for a society that embraces and includes informal workers and minorities in policy formulation, partial planning and implementation.
03
Media plays a crucial role in our initiative by shining a light on the stories and struggles of informal sector workers. We use our platform to advocate for their rights.
04
We believe in advocating for gender equality and empowering women in the informal sector to ensure they have access to the same opportunities and rights
Improving working conditions and livelihoods
Discover how Juakali Initiative is taking action to improve the lives and protect the rights of informal sector workers through a range of programs, campaigns, and advocacy efforts
Ensuring that informal workers have access to public space
Highlighting the plight of informal workers through our digital platforms
Free legal support to the informal workers
We document key issues affecting s informal workers
About Uganda's Informal Sector
The informal sector in Uganda is a vital source of livelihood for millions of people, but it faces numerous challenges that hinder its growth and development. Here are some key points highlighting the state of the informal sector in Uganda:
- The informal sector accounts for over 80% of the country’s employment, with an estimated 10 million workers engaged in various activities ranging from street vending to small-scale manufacturing.
- Informal sector workers often face low wages, poor working conditions, and limited access to social protections such as healthcare and pensions.
- Women are particularly vulnerable in the informal sector, often facing discrimination and harassment on the job, as well as limited access to credit and resources to start or expand their businesses.
