These restriction measures meant to contain spread of the virus are resulting in undesirable effects of slowing down the economy as enterprises close down or admit fewer patrons. The result especially for actors in the agro-value chains is a slowing down in stock movement, resulting to increased losses especially for perishables that have a very short shelf-life. Across Africa, a sharp increase in losses in the stock of perishables of up to 50% in some cases, which was the highest globally, has been recorded. Because of COVID-19, the proportion of food insecure has increased by up to 44% in Uganda. In addition, firm revenues and worker earnings have remained lower than pre-pandemic levels by 30%. The informal sector in Uganda accounts for over 50% of GDP and 80% of employment, including for the youth. Most of the population is employed in the agricultural sector, which accounts for about 70% of work in the continent. These critical economic realities imply that the productivity of the informal sector and agriculture stand out as key resilience building avenues for the country by virtue of their carrying capacity that covers most of the population.

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