Former presidential hopeful and founder of the Mivule Foundation, Alvin Muvule, has urged the government to design inclusive programs that support women working as street vendors in Kampala, emphasizing that empowering them could help reduce unemployment and improve family welfare.
Muvule made the remarks while addressing women in Bwaise, a suburb of Kawempe Division in Kampala, during activities to mark International Women’s Day.
Speaking to a gathering of women vendors and community members, he highlighted the resilience and hard work demonstrated by women selling goods on Kampala’s streets.
“The government should now think of a plan to strengthen these women. They have shown the ability to work, so it is easier to support their small businesses to curb the challenges they face rather than scrapping them off,” Muvule said.
He noted that economic empowerment of women would help address social challenges such as unemployment, limited access to education for children, and constrained household resources. Many families rely on the small incomes women generate through vending activities.
During the event, the Mivule Foundation distributed sanitary pads, food items, and scholastic materials to women and their families as part of the Women’s Day celebrations.
Muvule also encouraged women to become more self-reliant and not depend entirely on men for financial support, arguing that economic independence could reduce domestic violence and family conflicts.
He called on policymakers to recognize the role of women in the informal sector and develop targeted initiatives to help them grow their businesses and improve livelihoods.
Community members welcomed the support and called for continued efforts from both government and private organizations to empower women at the grassroots level.
