Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on Small and Micro Entrepreneurs in Kampala: Gender, Experiences, and Coping Strategies

ABSTRACT Globally, entrepreneurship is a social-economic asset. In Africa, small and microenterprises (SMEs) have emerged as drivers of economic development, yet remain vulnerable to risks. A study of female and male SME owners in Kampala district, Uganda, compared experiences, effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as a risk on businesses, challenges, and coping strategies to mitigate lockdown effects. This cross-sectional study randomly selected a sample of 150 entrepreneurs for the survey, generating a response rate of 80% (65 women and 55 men). Data were collected from August 9, 2020, to August 19, 2020, and were thematically analyzed. Results showed gender differences among male and female entrepreneurs. For instance, men were in business longer than women and, by age, women were younger (17–25 years) than men. COVID-19 containment measures also aggravated the pandemic’s impact on businesses. More women than men lost businesses (25% and 13%, respectively), and women increased their use of information communication technologies (ICTs) to access customers, markets, and transactions. While women upheld motherhood roles and spent money to meet basic family needs, men were stressed by the inability to provide for their families. Overall, both sexes adjusted business practices.