The Global Fairness Initiative (GFI), in partnership with the Council for Economic Empowerment for Women in Africa – Uganda Chapter (CEEWA-Uganda) and the Uganda Hotels, Tourism, Supermarkets and Allied Workers Union (HTS-Union), is undertaking a research study under the Grassroots Center for Women in Work (GCWW) initiative.

This study focuses on the challenges faced by informal entrepreneurs and workers—particularly women—in Kampala, Mayuge, Mbarara, and Wakiso districts. With a specific emphasis on barriers to formalization and entrepreneurial skill gaps, the research seeks to better understand the realities of informal women workers who are often excluded from policy discourse.

Conducted from January to December 2025, the study will document working conditions, identify skill gaps, and examine obstacles preventing women from transitioning into the formal economy. By generating grassroots data, the project aims to amplify women’s voices and inform policies that promote worker rights and economic empowerment.

The findings will strengthen CEEWA-Uganda’s evidence-based programming and enhance advocacy efforts through collaboration with worker organizations, contributing to more inclusive and responsive economic policies in Uganda.