Determinants of Mobile Digital Technology Uptake by Food Vendors in Kampala Capital City, Uganda

Food vending has become a common enterprise for low-income earners, particularly women in urban areas, because it requires low to moderate start-up capital. It involves selling ready-to-eat food, beverages and snacks from semi-static, temporary structures and moveable vending sites. The study assessed the determinants of mobile digital technology uptake by food vendors in Kampala Capital City. Using a case study research design, data were collected from January to March, 2026 in Central, Kawempe and Nakawa Divisions using a semi-structured questionnaire administered to 344 respondents. Data were subjected to chi-square test, t-test and logistic regression analyses. Results revealed that 25.1% of food vendors use digital technologies, and the most frequently used social media platforms are WhatsApp for responding to orders, Facebook to advertise the food vending business and Glovo to deliver clients’ orders. Those who used the technologies were motivated by the need to increase their business efficiency, reach out to a bigger number of clients and make payments easily through MTN and Airtel mobile money networks. Those who did not use the technologies cited lack of knowledge, high cost of data and unreliable electricity supply for charging the phones. Both male and female food vendors concurred that adoption of mobile digital technologies can reduce turnaround time in food delivery, improve information sharing and broaden networking. Factors that determine mobile digital technology uptake by food vendors include engagement in semi-formal food vending, average price per meal and location of the business within Kampala Capital City. The study concludes that mobile digital technologies significantly enhance the efficiency of mobile food vending operations. However, uptake is low due to knowledge gaps and perceived financial barriers. Thus, there is a need to sensitise and train food vendors on the value of mobile digital technologies in their businesses.