LIFE OF SINGLE MOTHERS IN URBAN AREAS

 

Under the hot sun on the outskirts of Kampala, a woman balances a basin of fresh fruit on her head and a baby on the back, walking with steady determination on a roadside. For many like her, this is more than just a daily routine because it is a lifeline.

Across urban communities, single mothers are increasingly turning to informal work such as street vending to provide for their families. With limited job opportunities and the rising cost of living, these women often take on multiple roles as breadwinners, caregivers, and homemakers, all at once.

Despite long hours and unpredictable earnings, their efforts ensure that children are fed, educated, and cared for. Yet the challenges remain significant. From exposure to harsh weather conditions to the risks of operating in unsafe roadside environments, the work is far from easy. Many also lack access to financial support systems, making it difficult to expand their businesses or secure stable incomes.

Community advocates continue to call for targeted support, including access to small loans, safer trading spaces, and skills training programs aimed at empowering single mothers economically. Their resilience, however, continues to stand out each step taken along the roadside reflects not just survival, but determination to build a better future for their families.