Both Kenya and Uganda have had strong diplomatic and economic relationships for many decades thus making the neighboring countries trade partners.

Certainly, Kenyans have over the years easily expanded their businesses in Uganda. The strong bilateral ties have also been influenced by Uganda’s location which offers access to the DRC, Burundi, and Rwandan markets.

For a country with a population of over 40 million people mostly comprised of the growing middle class, economic growth can only be a factor of time to be exploited resourcefully.

Kenyans have always had an eye for the market, even in neighbouring territory. As a Kenyan entrepreneur, you can expand/start a business in Uganda with credits to the East African Community (EAC) protocols.

First things first, create a sound business plan. The next step is to move to Uganda and apply for a work permit within 30 days of arriving in Uganda. This will grant you leeway to complete the setup formalities such as obtaining licences, permits and registration documents.

After registering your business online, request a tax compliance certificate and TIN from the Uganda Revenue Authority. Be prepared to provide proof of your expertise and sufficient capital.

You’ll receive a work permit within 30 days, valid for up to two years. Ensure compliance with all legal requirements and renew your permits and licenses as needed.

Here are six business opportunities in Uganda that a majority of Kenyans have chosen to explore:

1. Agriculture and Agribusiness

These entail farming, livestock, forestry, fisheries and processing all to cater for the local and international markets. Uganda is a land rich in agribusiness potential due to several factors cutting across the agricultural value chain sector.

Kenyan entrepreneurs, best known for leveraging on opportunities can map out these opportunities and broaden their investment portfolio.

2. Real Estate

Uganda has a huge and upcoming real estate market that offers Kenyan entrepreneurs opportunities in residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments.

Anyone with a clear vision of the real estate market and an eye for opportunities can spot the rapid urbanization and infrastructure development, which need not heavy financial muscle to consider.

Other avenues in the Ugandan real estate segment include starting a real estate agency, offering property management, or providing consultancy services.

3. Transport and Logistics

Uganda’s location in East Africa makes it an important route and a hub for trade to neighbouring landlocked countries such as Rwanda, South Sudan, DRC, and Burundi.

With the populace and economic growth, there has been an ever-growing need for transport and logistics services.

The demand has opened opportunities for Kenyan savvy entrepreneurs to start businesses in transporting goods, storing them, managing inventory, optimizing supply chains, and moving passengers.

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4. Healthcare

Due to the population surge, there’s an ever-growing need for healthcare and medical services. The country has created an opportunity for Kenyan healthcare providers to expand their services and reach new markets.

They include diagnostics, treatments, and preventive health services. The healthcare sector in Uganda features hospitals, clinics, diagnostics, pharmacies, rehabilitation centres, and home healthcare.

Entrepreneurs from Kenya can capitalize on these opportunities by innovating in healthcare infrastructure, technology, and service delivery to meet unmet needs and serve underserved communities in Uganda.

5. E-Commerce and Online Retail

Over the last two decades, the internet penetration rate in Uganda has driven mobile connectivity that had a domino effect on affordable smartphones.

The country is continuously investing in their digital infrastructure which creates a large and untapped market for e-commerce and online retail business, especially the youth, tech-savvy cohorts and middle-income households.

This sector involves selling goods and services online, targeting Uganda’s tech-savvy youth and middle-class families.

Kenyan entrepreneurs can capitalize by identifying niche markets, setting up online platforms, sourcing products, and coming up with effective marketing strategies to stand out in a crowded market.

It is also important to create a distinct brand identity that resonates with Ugandan customers.

4. Beauty & Wellness

Much like Kenya, Uganda has a young and vibrant population that is increasingly focused on self-care, wellness, and personal grooming.

This aspect of the improving economy and growing middle class mean there’s a rising demand for luxury items, premium services, and pampering experiences.