Post-Election Day: Ugandans Return to Work as Economic Pressures Reassert Daily Livelihoods
A day after Ugandans went to the polls to elect their President and Members of Parliament, business activity has resumed across many parts of town, despite today being a declared public holiday. Shops are open, transport is running, and residents are back at work, many citing economic pressures as the reason they cannot afford to stay home.
In Kampala’s busy streets and beyond, markets, retail shops, and taxi stages were active from early morning. Vendors, mechanics, carpenters, and boda-boda riders described a common theme: earning a daily income remains essential, even on a public holiday.
Eyewitness voices on the ground:
- Turinawe Daphine, a vendor in Nankulabye, voted yesterday but noted initial confusion over BVVK machine changes. She says leadership comes from God and that the declared winner should be accepted, adding that she is working today to meet daily needs.
- Senyomo Rogers, a boda-boda rider, arrived at his polling station at 5:00 a.m. but voting was delayed due to missing election officials and machine malfunctions. He stresses he’s anxious about the post-election period and chose to work today to support his family.
- Balamaga Muhammad, a mechanic from Namirembe, reported calm polling with the voters’ register used in place of BVVK machines. He, too, is back at work, hoping leaders fulfill their promises.
- Kawesi Joseph, another boda-boda rider, described a peaceful voting process and said he’s working today to ensure his family’s needs are met.
- Fred Ruwamiti, a carpenter at West Church polling station, faced delays caused by BVVK machine failures. He notes that while office workers may benefit from the holiday, those in the informal sector must work to serve their customers.
Across the country, residents emphasize a simple truth: daily livelihoods take priority, and the public holiday does not automatically translate into a slowdown for many Ugandans. As the country processes the election results and transitions into the post-election period, observers say it will be crucial to monitor how stated ambitions translate into on-the-ground outcomes for ordinary people.
