In Kampala, public markets are lifelines: for food, livelihoods, and daily connection. Yet many vendors, especially women, face challenges such as a lack of infrastructure and limited support for balancing work and caregiving. At the same time, urban residents struggle to access affordable, fresh food. These issues affect community health, income security, and overall quality of life.

In 2024, HealthBridge’s partner, Advocates for Public Spaces (APS), implemented a series of improvements under the Livable Cities project to make markets more inclusive and functional. One major activity was the renovation of 22 vendor stalls in Kasubi Market, creating safer and more usable spaces for vendors and customers. The design improvements also gained interest from visiting stakeholders, who adapted some of the ideas for use in their own markets.

To respond to women vendors’ caregiving needs, APS supported the completion of a daycare facility within the market, in line with the Markets Act 2023. Local vendors expressed strong interest in managing the facility, and the Kampala Capital City Authority has since taken over its administration, with proposed upgrades including child-friendly sanitation and security features.

The daycare initiative directly supported 61 women vendors and 33 children. Other community members, including youth, older adults, and persons with disabilities, also benefited from the overall market improvements. An estimated 500 additional people were reached indirectly through better infrastructure and access to fresh food. APS also brought together over 30 market managers to review and provide feedback on the new Markets Act, contributing to improved policy clarity and implementation.

The Livable Cities project shows how practical, community-led actions can help create safer markets, support women vendors, and increase access to nutritious food, laying the foundation for more equitable cities. By combining physical upgrades with gender-responsive services, community engagement, and future-focused urban planning, these improvements contribute to better working conditions, healthier diets, and a more supportive environment.