A web proximity-based digital task platform for informal workers: A case study of Kampala-Metropolitan area
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Date
2026-05-29
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Uganda Christian University
Abstract
The informal sector remains the primary source of employment in Uganda, yet it is characterized by fragmented labour markets, limited worker visibility, weak trust mechanisms, and insecure payment systems. Informal workers and clients largely rely on word-of-mouth referrals, which restricts access to opportunities and exposes both parties to service and payment risks. This study presents the design and feasibility assessment of SkillBee, a proximity-based digital task platform intended to connect informal workers with nearby clients in the Kampala Metropolitan Area. The study adopts a qualitative exploratory approach to examine labour-matching challenges, user readiness for digital platforms, and essential system features required to support trust and secure transactions. Findings from preliminary observations and literature review indicate strong potential for integrating location-based matching, worker verification, rating systems, and mobile money escrow payments within Uganda’s informal labour ecosystem. The study concludes that a localized, trust-centered digital platform can significantly improve labour visibility, service reliability, and income stability for informal workers. The results provide a foundation for developing inclusive digital labour solutions aligned with Uganda’s socio-economic context.
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Undergraduate