Kampala, Uganda: Kampala Turns Data Into Action Against Covid-19 Inequalities
Kampala is the only large metropolis in Uganda and one of the fastest growing cities in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Overview
Published: October 2020
Kampala is known for its rolling hills, kafundas (small roadside bars with a fridge, plastic chairs and a speaker blaring music) and street traders selling everything from secondhand shoes to matooke (green bananas) and luwombo (meat stew steamed in banana leaves).
But this year from March to July the way of life has drastically changed in Uganda with COVID-19 restrictions including a nationwide shutdown to slow the spread of infection, prohibition of private car use and public transportation, curfews, store closures and the banning of gatherings. With these measures, Kampala’s ‘rush hour’ streets became deserted and its markets went quiet.
The effects of national shutdown are felt more deeply by disadvantaged groups. The vast majority of residents in Kampala make their living through informal employment which often means they rely on daily trade to feed themselves and their families.
Now, taking a data-based and equity-oriented approach to the COVID-19 response, city authorities have been assessing the susceptibility of local communities to the impact of the virus. They have been collecting data on how COVID-19 impacts equity to guide decision-making and use of limited resources.
Read the full case study: Kampala Turns Data Into Action Against Covid-19 Inequalities
More than 2 million people smoke in Uganda - making enforcing the country's national smoke-free law a priority for the city of Kampala, Uganda.
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