Development, division and discontent in informal markets: Insights from Kampala

Young, G. (2021) Development, division and discontent in informal markets: Insights from Kampala. Review of African Political Economy, 48(168), pp. 196-216. (doi: 10.1080/03056244.2020.1841620)

Abstract

This article explores the recent history of Owino Market in Kampala, Uganda, to analyse the constraints to agency that exist in the informal economy. Detailing conflicts over market management and development in Owino, it argues that agency in the informal economy must be understood in reference to the economic divisions that exist within the informal sphere and the political divisions that characterise urban governance. The interaction of the two, as Owino illustrates, can severely circumscribe the ability of informal vendors to act in ways that allow them to participate in urban development. In this case, ongoing efforts by the ruling party and executive to monopolise power in Kampala solidified and politicised internal market hierarchies defined by vending location and ownership and employment status, leading to conflicts that threatened the majority of vendors’ livelihoods and the viability of their economic activities. For many in the informal economy, these structural constraints to agency may be impossible to overcome.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was supported by the Smuts Memorial Fund, managed by the University of Cambridgein memory of Jan Smuts; and by the UAC of Nigeria Travel Fund.
• Keywords: Political science and international relations, geography, planning and development, development.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Young, Dr Graeme
• Authors: Young, G.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Urban Studies
• Journal Name: Review of African Political Economy
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• ISSN: 0305-6244
• ISSN (Online): 1740-1720
• Copyright Holders: Copyright: © 2021 ROAPE Publications Ltd
• First Published: First published in Review of African Political Economy 48(168): 196-216
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy