Signage for social inclusion of slum dwellers in Uganda: a case of kabalagala-kikubamutwe in Kampala district

Abstract

The messages communicated on the signage displayed in public spaces within the slum of Kikubamutwe do not contribute to establishing an inclusive environment which aids process of improving the ability, Opportunity, and dignity of the people living there (The African Promise, 2015). This study focused on digging the causes of exclusion and challenges brought about by lack of inclusion among slum dwellers of Kikubamutwe, Makindye division in Kampala district. The study was conducted following three objectives which are: (1) To analyze the signage that portray social inclusion of slum dwellers in Kikubamutwe in Makindye Division, (2) To create socially inclusive messages for signage in Kikubamutwe in Makindye Division (3) To produce signage for social inclusion of slum dwellers in Kikubamutwe in Makindye division the third objective being the main. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to create socially inclusive messages to be used on signage in the slum. The efforts involved finding appropriate themes, images/symbols, typography, and colors. A case study research design was used to study slum dwellers in detail. This design allows for a close examination of a specific subject or group (McCombes, 2019). Convenience sampling is a method of choosing people for a study based on what is most convenient for the researcher. Purposive sampling is another method used to select participants who are readily accessible. The data was collected using direct visual observation, photography, and interviews. Also, electronic sources, library books and journals (Taherdoost, 2020). The findings proved that majority of the signage found in Kikubamutwe were done using rudimentary methods and lacked the right message presentation, colors and symbols to cater for all members of that community. By drawing inspirations from electronic sources and from opinions of the slum dwellers the researcher embarked on developing signage that is inclusive with translation in three official languages and with easy to interpret colors and symbols (Bala H. A., 2016). Finally, the researcher recommended that Signs installed in Kikubamutwe should deliver all round and understandable messages catering for all groups of both locals and visitors.