Who We Are
Uganda Market Systems Development Network (UMSDN) is a network of practitioners, organisations, and institutions committed to driving inclusive market systems change across Uganda.
What Drives Our Work
Everything we do is guided by a belief that well-functioning markets are the most powerful engine for sustainable, inclusive economic growth in Uganda.
"We believe that transforming market systems — not just individuals — creates lasting change that reaches the poorest and most marginalised Ugandans."
UMSDN works to identify and address the systemic barriers that prevent markets from working for everyone. By strengthening the rules, norms, relationships, and capacities that underpin markets, we create conditions for sustainable prosperity.
We bring together government, private sector, civil society, and development actors to catalyse change that no single organisation could achieve alone.
Our Core Values
We look beyond symptoms to address the root causes of market failures — the rules, norms, and relationships that shape how markets function.
Every intervention is designed with the most marginalised in mind — women, youth, and rural communities who are too often left behind by market-led growth.
Sustainable change is led from within. We strengthen Ugandan institutions, knowledge, and capabilities rather than creating dependency on external actors.
We invest in rigorous measurement, honest reflection, and adaptive management — sharing what works and what doesn't with the broader development community.
Rooted in Uganda,
Built to Last
Founded in 2018 by a coalition of Ugandan development practitioners, UMSDN emerged from a shared frustration with project-based interventions that failed to survive beyond their funding cycles.
We set out to build something different — a network of committed actors who could collectively influence the systems-level change that no single programme could achieve. Today, UMSDN convenes over 45 member organisations across six sectors and seven regions of Uganda.
Our Journey
Full History →UMSDN is Founded
A founding coalition of 12 organisations comes together in Kampala to establish UMSDN as Uganda's first dedicated market systems practitioner network. The founding charter is signed at a landmark convening attended by government, private sector, and civil society leaders.
First Market Systems Assessment
UMSDN launches its inaugural Uganda Market Systems Landscape Assessment, mapping systemic barriers across agriculture, digital, and financial sectors. The report is adopted as a reference document by three major donor programmes.
COVID-19 Response Coalition
As the pandemic disrupts markets across Uganda, UMSDN convenes an emergency coalition of 28 member organisations to coordinate rapid market system interventions, reaching over 15,000 micro-enterprises with targeted support.
Digital Economy Programme Launch
In partnership with UNCDF and the Mastercard Foundation, UMSDN launches the 10X Digital Economy Programme targeting young women in Northern and Eastern Uganda — the largest programme in the network's history.
Network Reaches 45 Member Organisations
UMSDN membership surpasses 45 organisations, spanning government agencies, private sector actors, NGOs, and research institutions. The network is now active across all seven programme regions of Uganda.
TVET Partnership Framework Launched
Following comprehensive assessments across 8 districts, UMSDN launches a formal TVET Partnership Framework to align technical and vocational education with market demands — a critical step toward sustainable youth employment.
Leadership Team
Full Team →20+ years in market systems development across East Africa. Previously led programmes at GIZ and DFID.
Specialist in digital economy interventions and financial inclusion with a focus on Northern Uganda.
PhD in Development Economics. Leads UMSDN's evidence generation and knowledge management agenda.
Manages UMSDN's network of 45+ member organisations and donor relationships across Uganda.
Our Partners & Funders
Explore More
How We Work
Discover the market systems methodology that underpins all UMSDN programmes and interventions.
Governance & Accountability
How we make decisions, manage our finances, and ensure accountability to our members and beneficiaries.
Reports & Financials
Access UMSDN annual reports, programme evaluations, financial statements, and strategic plans.