MASAKA, UGANDA– May 1, 2023: Researchers at Muteesa I Royal University in Masaka, Uganda have found out in a new study that COVID-19 pushed Ugand’s poor deeper into poverty and potentially reversed the country’s Sustainable Goals Development Goals (SDGs) journey.
SDGs are a set of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The goals aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people can enjoy peace and prosperity. The SDGs cover a wide range of issues, such as health, education, gender equality, climate change, and sustainable economic growth. They serve as a blueprint for countries, organizations, and individuals to work towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
A new study titled “Vulnerability, Poverty, and Covid-19 in Uganda: Risk Factors and Correlates” has now shed light on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable groups in Uganda. The study has been published in the Palgrave Handbook of Global Social Change and is accessible through Springer.
The study carried out by three researchers, namely; Norman Mukasa, Sarah Hasaba, and Daniel Makori in 2022, found that while elderly and poor-housed people were already known to be vulnerable, the crisis also affected people from low socioeconomic groups who struggled to cope financially, mentally, or physically.
The researchers conducted a systematic review of 12 studies and analyzed data from three rounds of the Kampala City Council Authority COVID-19 surveys and 15 key informant interviews to explore the correlation between COVID-19 and vulnerability in Uganda.
The findings revealed that individuals in “non-essential jobs,” particularly those living hand-to-mouth, reported feeling vulnerable during the pandemic’s first months.
“Even those considered “better-off” were at risk of losing income or lacking access to social support,” the researchers reveal.
The study also found that measures such as social distancing and frequent handwashing were not attainable for those living hand-to-mouth, leading to an upsurge in poverty and a potential reversal of social change.
Thus, these findings have implications for Uganda’s progress in meeting Sustainable Development Goals and the researchers suggest the need for targeted interventions to support vulnerable groups during crises.
How Uganda Battled COVID-19
Uganda is among the African nations that have been lauded for their successful response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of May 2023, the country had reported over 300,000 confirmed cases and 2,700 deaths.
Uganda’s early and proactive measures to control the spread of the virus included closing borders, suspending international flights, and instituting a nationwide lockdown in March 2020.
The government also established a task force to coordinate the COVID-19 response, which involved enhancing testing capacity, contact tracing, and treatment of patients.
Moreover, the government’s communication strategy was effective in educating the public about the virus and measures to prevent its spread.
Community leaders and civil society organizations were involved in raising awareness, and the government utilized mass media, including radio and television broadcasts, to reach a wider audience.
Despite these measures, Uganda faced challenges in enforcing the lockdown measures due to the informal economy, where many people rely on daily wages. In response, the government provided food and financial assistance to vulnerable households.
In addition, Uganda has successfully rolled out COVID-19 vaccination programs, prioritizing frontline health workers, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.
As of May 2023, over 8 million doses of vaccines have been administered in the country.
How COVID Has Affected SDGs
COVID-19 has had a significant impact on Uganda’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The pandemic has led to an economic downturn and increased poverty rates, which has affected the country’s ability to achieve several of the SDGs.
For instance, Uganda has made progress toward achieving SDG 1, which aims to eradicate extreme poverty and reduce inequality. However, the pandemic has reversed some of these gains, leading to an increase in poverty rates. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, the poverty rate increased from 21.4% in 2016/17 to 26.2% in 2019/20, mainly due to the impact of COVID-19 on the economy.
Additionally, COVID-19 has also had a negative impact on Uganda’s progress towards SDG 2, which aims to end hunger and achieve food security. The pandemic has led to supply chain disruptions and increased food prices, making it difficult for vulnerable populations to access adequate and nutritious food.
COVID-19 has also affected progress toward SDG 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being. The pandemic has strained Uganda’s healthcare system and diverted resources away from other health priorities. It has also led to a decrease in access to healthcare services due to lockdowns and restrictions on movement.
To access the rest of the research paper, visit: https://bit.ly/40VNTGJ
Who are the Authors?
Dr. Norman Mukasa
Norman Mukasa holds a Ph.D. in International and Intercultural Studies and a European Master’s in Sustainable Regional Health. His research interests include: studying the impacts of violent conflict, with a particular focus on women, children, and youth in Sub-Saharan Africa; development issues of marginalized groups; and health care financing systems. Mukasa lectures research methods at the Graduate School of Bugema University and at Muteesa I Royal University in Uganda
Dr. Sarah Hasaba
Dr. Hasaba is a Post-doctoral research fellow at The United Nations University
Japan
Dr. Daniel Makori
Dr. Makori is working as a Lecturer in Kenyatta University School of Business.
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