Starting a business with UGX 100,000 in Uganda may seem challenging, but with the right strategy, you can launch a profitable venture. Below are some of the best businesses to start with 100k in Uganda, including startup costs, requirements, why they work, and quick tips to help you succeed.
Key Points
✅The best businesses to start with 100k in Uganda include second-hand clothes, mobile hairdressing e.t.c
✅ Challenges include limited capital, high competition, and market fluctuations.
✅ Using social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and TikTok can help attract and retain customers with minimal costs.
✅Registering your business, choosing strategic locations, and adapting to market trends will ensure long-term success.
10 Best businesses to start with 100k in Uganda
1. Selling Second-Hand Clothes (Mivumba Business)
- Startup Cost: <UGX 80,000
- Requirements: A supplier for second-hand clothes, a good location, and marketing skills.
- Why It Works: Uganda has a high demand for affordable clothing, and mitumba clothes are stylish yet budget-friendly.
- Quick Tip: Start with a small batch and reinvest profits to expand your stock.
2. Chapati and Snacks Business
- Startup Cost: <UGX 90,000
- Requirements: Cooking equipment, ingredients, and a strategic selling location.
- Why It Works: Chapati is a staple food in Uganda, and selling snacks alongside can boost profits.
- Quick Tip: Set up near busy areas like taxi parks or schools for maximum sales.
3. Liquid Soap Making
- Startup Cost: <UGX 50,000
- Requirements: Soap-making ingredients, packaging materials, and marketing.
- Why It Works: Soap is a necessity, and homemade liquid soap is affordable and profitable.
- Quick Tip: Offer free samples to attract customers and build trust.
4. Selling Fresh Fruits / Mini Grocery
- Startup Cost: <UGX 80,000
- Requirements: A reliable fruit supplier, a selling point, and packaging materials.
- Why It Works: Fresh fruits are in high demand for health-conscious consumers.
- Quick Tip: Focus on seasonal fruits to maximize profits.
5. Mobile Hairdressing Services
- Startup Cost: <UGX 80,000
- Requirements: Hair styling tools, hair products, Combs, Towels and a strong social media presence.
- Why It Works: Many people prefer home-based hairdressing services for convenience.
- Quick Tip: Offer discounts for referrals to grow your customer base.
6. Mobile Manicure & Pedicure Services
- Startup Cost: <UGX 70,000
- Requirements: Nail care tools, gel polish, and a portable workstation.
- Why It Works: Grooming services are always in demand, especially for events.
- Quick Tip: Invest in quality nail products to build a loyal clientele.
7. Shoe Repair (Cobbler) Business
- Startup Cost: <UGX 50,000
- Requirements: Shoe repair tools, polish, and a small workspace.
- Why It Works: Many people prefer repairing shoes instead of buying new ones.
- Quick Tip: Set up near busy streets or markets for maximum visibility.
8. Mobile Car Wash Services
- Startup Cost: <UGX 80,000
- Requirements: Cleaning supplies, water source, and a second-hand portable pressure washer.
- Why It Works: Many car owners prefer convenient, on-the-go cleaning services.
- Quick Tip: Offer discounts for repeat customers to build loyalty.
9. Selling Homemade Snacks
- Startup Cost: <UGX 70,000
- Requirements: Ingredients, packaging materials, and a selling location.
- Why It Works: People love affordable, homemade snacks like samosas, popcorn, and roasted groundnuts.
- Quick Tip: Sell near busy areas like schools, offices, or taxi parks.
10. Bicycle Repair Business
- Startup Cost: <UGX 90,000
- Requirements: Basic repair tools, spare parts, and a small workspace.
- Why It Works: Many Ugandans rely on bicycles for transport, making repairs a steady business.
- Quick Tip: Offer mobile repair services to reach more customers.
Challenges & Solutions
Starting a business with UGX 100,000 in Uganda comes with challenges, but with the right approach, you can overcome them and succeed. Here’s how to navigate common obstacles:
1. Limited Capital
- Challenge: UGX 100,000 may not be enough for expansion or bulk purchases.
- Solution: Start small and reinvest profits. Focus on high-margin products or services that require little upfront investment (e.g., social media marketing, mobile hairdressing).
2. High Competition
- Challenge: Many people are engaged in similar businesses, making it difficult to stand out.
- Solution: Offer unique packaging, excellent customer service, and creative promotions. Building a strong online presence (WhatsApp, TikTok, Facebook) can help attract customers.
3. Market Demand Fluctuations
- Challenge: Some businesses are seasonal, leading to unpredictable income.
- Solution: Choose a business with consistent year-round demand (e.g. groceries). For seasonal businesses, diversify your product offerings when demand drops.
4. Supplier Reliability
- Challenge: Getting consistent, affordable supplies can be difficult.
- Solution: Build strong relationships with reliable suppliers and negotiate bulk discounts to reduce costs.
5. Customer Trust & Loyalty
- Challenge: It takes time to gain loyal customers, especially for new businesses.
- Solution: Provide quality service, offer guarantees, and engage with customers through social media and word of mouth.
6. Government Regulations & Licensing
- Challenge: Some businesses require permits, and navigating regulations can be confusing.
- Solution: Visit your local government offices to learn about necessary licenses and start with legal informal businesses before scaling up.
Final Tips
✅ Choose a strategic location, like busy streets for food stalls.
✅ Consider microfinance loans if you need to scale, and always research market demand.
✅ Register with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) for legal operation
✅ Focus on reinvestment—instead of spending all profits, use them to grow your business.
✅ Leverage technology—sell online, advertise on WhatsApp, or use mobile payments for convenience.
✅ Stay adaptable—if a strategy isn’t working, adjust quickly.
Next Steps
Now you know the best businesses to start with 100k in Uganda, Pick an idea that matches your skills and local demand. Start small, stay consistent, and reinvest your profits each day. With just UGX 100,000, you’re now ready to step into Uganda’s thriving micro‑business landscape—start today and watch your earnings grow.
Final Thoughts
Starting a business with UGX 100,000 requires creativity, dedication, and smart financial management. Choose a business that aligns with your skills and interests, and reinvest profits to grow.