Year 2020 should be your year of opportunities.

Are you interested in starting a business in Uganda? Do you need ideas on the best small business investment opportunities in Uganda? Then I advice you read on.

Characterized by a landscape of new roads and buildings like shopping malls, hotels, and apartments, Uganda is becoming one of the best places to do business in Africa. The country offers various lucrative business opportunities for entrepreneurs.

With $10,000 or less, you can start a very profitable business anywhere in Uganda. And with more capital, you can venture into bigger businesses like real estate and property sales and management. Though there are several business opportunities in Uganda, here are the best 10 sectors for investors to explore:

Top 10 Small Business Investment Opportunities in Uganda

1. Food processing

Much of the food consumed in Uganda is imported. And the country spends several millions of dollars annually on food importation alone. This creates huge opportunities for businesses that can produce and process foods locally. The demand for quality food is increasing with the growing population, especially in the urban areas. If you don’t have a fat capital, you can still start a small food processing business that offers value added processed foods like grains, nuts, cereals, fruits, and vegetables.

2. Construction

Due to the rapidly increasing number of new buildings and structures in Uganda, there is a booming demand for construction products and services. With a capital of less than $1000, you can start a business that makes and sells cement blocks or stabilized earth bricks.

With more than $10,000, you can venture into concrete pipes making or start a business that leases construction machinery such as trucks, asphalt mixers, bulldozers, concrete mixers, concrete vibrators, etc. If you have capital exceeding $50,000, you can establish a plant that makes concrete slabs, beams, and pillars. Better yet, you can lease even more sophisticated construction machines.

3. Real estate

This is another booming sector in Uganda that investors can explore. With a capital of between $10,000 and $50,000, you can start a real estate business by offering low-cost houses for sale. Selling medium cost houses would require a capital somewhere between $50,000 and $100,000. And for high cost houses such as residential villas, apartment complexes, office complexes, and housing estates, you will require a startup capital above $100,000.

4. Small manufacturing industries

With little capital, you can venture into small scale businesses that manufacture products that are in high demand. With capital between $1000 and $10,000, you can start a sewing or tailoring business that produces clothing for men, women, and children.

You can also start a business that offers printing and typesetting services. With capital between $10,000 and $50,000, you can invest in furniture or soap making businesses. And if your capital exceeds $100,000, you can consider starting a business that manufactures plastic wares.

5. Tourism and hospitality

Uganda is one of the most visited vacation destinations in Africa. Because Uganda plays host to many visitors annually, there are opportunities for investors to make money off these visitors. With around $100,000 or more, you can set up a resort or lodge for tourists. You can also set up a hotel or motel that gives the visitors a feeling of home even when they are miles away from home. If you have very little capital, you can turn your home or unused space into a bed and breakfast lodge for tourists.

6. Transport services

Transport is one thing that people need to engage in every day. This explains why there is a huge demand for transport services. If you have a big capital, you can start a business that offers inter-city transport services. But if you are on a low budget, then you should consider a local taxi service.

7. Trading

Many things sell in Uganda. The secret is to identify any business that caters to people’s everyday needs. So, if you sell products that are in high demand, you’ll make lots of profit off Ugandans. With less than $100 starting capital you can start a business that sells second-hand clothing (this sells well in Uganda), firewood, newspapers, foodstuff (cassava flour, rice, palm oil, etc), frozen fish, of soft drinks.

With capital between $100 and $1,000, you can open a small restaurant, a coffee shop, a mobile phone accessories store, a grocery store, a cosmetic product store, a supermarket, or a jewelry store.

8. Computer and internet services

Many Ugandans are not familiar with computers. But with the increasing need for being both computer-literate and internet-savvy, there are opportunities for computer and internet instructors and technicians.

9. Solar energy

Ugandans are becoming more aware of the advantages of solar energy. So, there are huge opportunities for businesses that offer solar panel installations and those that sell solar power accessories.

10. Other services

Selling isn’t the only lucrative business in Uganda. There are opportunities for those who can render services, too. Examples of services that are in high demand include hair styling, mobile phone repair, barbing, furniture making, car rental, tractor leasing, and so on.