Top online Shopping websites in Uganda
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For the past 12 years, the number of online shopping websites in Uganda has increased. Following the recent COVID-19 pandemic, which forced thousands of businesses to close, tens of eCommerce businesses sprang up, forcing many Ugandans to adopt the culture of purchasing products online as it had become the new normal.
Since the pandemic outbreak, online shopping in Uganda has grown at an incredible rate, with an increase in the number of Ugandans preferring to buy products online from the comfort of their homes and workplaces.
However, it is difficult to categorize online shopping websites because some are specific, while others are generalists, selling everything from groceries, books, and clothes to beauty products, sports equipment, and even software.
Without going into the advantages of buying products online in Uganda, you will agree with me that ordering groceries with just a tap of a button on your phone and having them delivered to your doorstep is more convenient than walking into a traditional market to buy the same.
In this article, I will provide you with a list of the top 100 online shopping sites in Uganda that will assist you in meeting your shopping needs. To make your decision easier, I've organized these websites by the product categories they sell.
List of top 100+ online shopping websites in Uganda in 2023
In this internet age, when you want to buy something, all you need to do is simply go to a website that sells what you want, make a click on your smartphone, and you will receive your order at your doorstep. Ready to go shopping? Below is a list of the top 100 eCommerce sites in Uganda:
B2C Marketplaces in Uganda
B2C stands for Business to Consumer. The term business-to-consumer (B2C) refers to the process of selling products and services directly between a business and consumers who are the end-users of its products or services.
B2C eCommerce websites are online shopping platforms or online markets that connect retail sellers and final consumers. These usually allow all types of sellers to list their items on their platforms. Below are the most popular B2C eCommerce marketplaces in Uganda.
B2B Marketplaces in Uganda
B2B stands for Business to Business. B2B platforms host a database of businesses (manufacturers) that sell goods to other businesses (wholesalers/retailers). B2B sites do not sell goods directly to final consumers, and their Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) is always high since they target businesses that buy in bulk. B2B shopping sites are not yet popular in Uganda, but we have a handful of them trying. Some of the B2B platforms we have in Uganda include;
Classifieds websites in Uganda
Classified sites are eCommerce sites that allow individuals or businesses to advertise their products and services. On these sites, the business is between you and the seller, not with the classified site. The sellers are solely responsible for the quality of products and services they advertise through the platform. Classified sites also don’t accept online payments. A seller meets a buyer, and they exchange a product for cash.
You must, however, exercise maximum caution when buying from a classified since there is no guarantee of quality.
Classified sites also harbor too many scammers, and in this case, you must never accept to pay a buyer online, not even sending them delivery fees. Ensure that you meet the seller in a public place, and see and test the product before paying.
Below is a list of top online classified sites in Uganda:
Electronic shopping websites in Uganda
These sites sell various electronic equipment such as gadgets, appliances, smartphones, laptops and other electronic devices.
Customers who have purchased electronics from online platforms have always found the experience to be both enjoyable and frustrating. However, there is a high potential for saving time, affordable prices and reduced effort when compared to traditional shopping methods.
Fashion shopping websites in Uganda
Fashion shopping in Uganda can be made easier by turning to online websites that specialize in fashion accessories. Rather than braving the congested roads of Kampala to find your desired clothing or footwear, consider browsing through these popular online fashion websites in Uganda instead.
Kids’ Shopping websites in Uganda
As a parent, it can be overwhelming trying to find the best products online in Uganda for your little ones. There are so many shopping websites for children’s items out there, and it can be difficult to know which ones are the most reliable and trustworthy. That’s where we come in to point out for you the kids’ shopping websites in Uganda. These online stores offer a wide range of products specifically tailored to the needs of children, from clothing and accessories to toys and games. By shopping online, you can save time and hassle while still finding high-quality items that your kids will love. Plus, many of these websites offer convenient delivery options and great prices, making it easy to get everything you need in one place. Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion trends for your little fashionista or educational toys for your budding scientist, you’re sure to find something to suit your needs on these websites.
- Tootoz
- The Baby Bay
- Avaria Baby Store
- Mina Kids Collection
- Seloni Kids Centre
- Kid’s Nook Uganda
- Risco Kids
Grocery shopping websites in Uganda
You no longer have to walk to crowded markets just to get fresh vegetables or beans. Whether you’re craving sea foods, chicken, matooke, potatoes, carrots or cashew nuts, you can order whatever you want from grocery websites. All it takes is a visit to one of these Ugandan grocery sites, and you will have your order delivered to your doorstep.
Food delivery websites in Uganda
These are restaurants and food establishments that offer online food delivery services. The most popular online food delivery websites/platforms include;
Online Pharmacy websites in Uganda
Online pharmacies allow you to order medicine online, medical supplies and various medical devices via their website or app. You can pick up the items or have them delivered to your home at a cost or fee.
Real estate shopping sites in Uganda
Most of these websites act as middle-man between people looking to buy or rent a commercial property such as a house, condo, apartment or commercial unit and a broker or developer. The websites collate data from various sources so clients can browse and look up different real estate offerings. The most popular real estate websites in Uganda include;
Car shopping websites in Uganda
Do you want to buy a car in Uganda? New or used? Here are some of the online car sites in Uganda that you can visit for a great deal on your next car purchase.
Hardware shopping websites in Uganda
A Hardware Online Store refers to a platform primarily engaged in the retail sale of hardware, including but not limited to tools, builder’s hardware, plumbing and electrical supplies, housewares and household appliances, and paint and glass.
These are some of the hardware shopping websites operating in Uganda today:
- Wena Hardware
- Hardware World
- Cheap General Hardware
- Kumukutu
- Buildmax Hardware
- Building Materials Uganda
Kitchen appliances shopping websites in Uganda
Looking to buy kitchen appliances in Uganda? Check out these websites below:
Music stores in Uganda
You will find all Ugandan music on these websites. Most of them give music for free, while a few sell.
Online bill payment websites in Uganda
These websites serve as gateways to make paying bills and executing several financial transactions easier. They enable you to make bill payments and deposits and withdraw and transfer money from your smartphone or computer.
Online Book Stores in Uganda
Times have changed. Back in the day, going to a bookstore, reading books and sharing ideas with friends were a hobby for many people. Today, when one wants to read a particular book, they simply visit any online book store, make an order, and the book is delivered to their address. Below is a list of top online book stores in Uganda that you visit to order your favorite books, and they will be delivered straight to your office or home.
Gift shopping websites in Uganda
These are best websites to visit if you’re looking for the perfect gift for your loved one. Apart from selling the gift items themselves, they also offer gift wrap and delivery services.
- Gift Hub UG
- Flowers Uganda
- Hello Flowers UG
- Ruby’s Gift Store
- Jude Color Solutions
- Luxury Gifts Uganda
General shopping websites in Uganda
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook is not just for socializing; it is a ready marketplace for people to sell or buy goods. With more than 3.5M Facebook users in Uganda, Facebook Marketplace remains one of the most popular platforms for buying and selling all sorts of products. Facebook Marketplace is free to use.
Besides Facebook Marketplace, Facebook groups are set up specifically to sell goods and services. Some of the most popular buy and sell Facebook groups in Uganda include;
- Liquidation Uganda
- Tunda Gula Uganda
- Uganda Fashion Market
- Uganda Electronics Market
- Condala – Online Shopping in Uganda
Buy from abroad, receive in Uganda services.
These sites as intermediaries with those who want to buy products from UK, USA, China and Dubai websites. All you need is to approach them, tell them the product you want from any of the countries they operate, and they will buy it for you and ship it to Uganda. You would pick up the item from their office or have it delivered to your doorstep in a special arrangement with them.
- UG Unlocked (Buy from USA)
- Supaprice (Buy from UK and USA)
- 2gule (Buy from USA, UK, Canada, receive in Uganda)
- Intership (USA to Uganda)
- Salabed Uganda (UK to Uganda)
- Buy2Africa (Buy from Dubai, UK, USA to Uganda)
International online shopping websites in Uganda
These are global shopping sites, most of which are located in China, USA and UK. They sell everything and very competitive prices and deliver to Uganda. If you are looking to buy personal products or import goods in bulk for your business, check out these global sites:
Pros and Cons of Shopping Online in Uganda
In Uganda, online shopping is growing in popularity as more and more individuals choose it over traditional brick-and-mortar establishments to make purchases. This is probably due to the fact that shopping online is not only practical but also a terrific method to save money.
Shopping online in Uganda has its benefits and drawbacks. Below are the pros and cons of online shopping in Uganda:
Pros of online shopping in Uganda
Hassle-free.
Shop with a tap of a button on your smartphone, tablet or computer. No need to go through horrible traffic, bad weather or long queues just to get what you want.
Better prices.
Since there are thousands of sellers online, and all of them are fighting for your shopping money, prices tend to be lower. Online sellers are able to sell goods at much lower prices because of low operational costs (they don’t pay rent).
Cheaper overall.
Since you don’t want to visit the store physically, you ideally won’t experience bad traffic and the inevitable hunger that strikes after walking long distances. If you have a ride, you will also save on your fuel.
More choices to choose from.
A simple search for headsets (which I did earlier) will yield you tens if not hundreds of results—and that is just from one store. The choices are endless when it comes to online shopping in Uganda.
Easy price-shopping
It takes a simple click or swipes to move from one store to another. You can literally price shop from several websites in under a minute. Can you do that in a shopping mall? No, I don’t believe so!
Discounts and vouchers
The best thing about shopping online in Uganda is endless discounts and promotional offers from different shopping platforms – all geared at enticing you to buy from their stores. These websites also regularly run flash sales where certain product prices are slashed below the ordinary.
Say goodbye to long queues.
I had to squeeze this point here because I hate those long queues at the cashier counter in shopping malls. I’m very impatient, and I feel that waiting 10 minutes to pay for a single item is a total waste of my time. Online shopping eliminates queues and long waits as payments are made instantly.
Shop anytime, anywhere, 24/7
I have a friend whose favorite pastime is “Window Shopping” on eBay. She always ends up buying something. This means you can literally shop online anytime, anywhere. All you need is a smartphone or Laptop with an active internet connection.
Customer reviews
Another good thing about these online shopping sites is that customers usually leave feedback when they buy a certain product. You can read reviews of people who purchased the same item in the past. If reviews are bad, the item is likely bad, or the seller is not trusted.
No pressure shopping
When I go to downtown Kampala searching for something to buy, I usually get nagged by street or market sellers who pull me to their stalls and then put pressure on me to buy their products in case I show interest. I don’t want to be “pressured” by anyone to buy anything. Sometimes I just want to take a look.
Discreet
Sometimes, you may want to buy something that can be intimidating to ask from a physical store or mall. Online shopping lets you find anything easily privately without breaking a sweat.
Cons of online shopping in Uganda
Can’t try stuff on
This is very tricky, especially when buying clothes. Although some sites display size charts for reference, they are not usually accurate.
Delivery takes days (depends on the courier and location)
Due to seller location and logistic challenges, many sites don’t deliver orders immediately. Sometimes, it’s faster to buy stuff from physical stores, especially if you need the item ASAP.
After-sales support is usually unsatisfactory.
Most owners of Ugandan online shopping websites only care about making sales but don’t care about customers after. Most after-sales support from Uganda online stores is just plain terrible. Just look at some of the comments/feedback online, and their social media handles, and you will understand what I mean.
Hard to determine the actual size, material and color of the item
The inability to touch or see the items makes it difficult to determine their actual make. I have seen plenty of online feedback where customers say the color/material of the item they received differs from the photo or description displayed in the store.
Counterfeit goods
Counterfeit and substandard goods perfectly describe almost all Ugandan shopping platforms.
8 Tips for Safe Online Shopping in Uganda
1. Shop at secure sites only.
The “S” you see in “HTTPS” and the lock icon beside it (on your browser address bar) is an indicator that a site follows Google’s protocols for a secure website.
However, note that this does not mean a site is secure as long as it has both these—it is just a quick way of gauging if a website is legit and safe.
2. Use strong passwords
I can’t recommend this enough. Many people fall into the trap of using the same password across several websites. While this makes logging in for your easier, you also make it easier for hackers to crack your password. Your password should be strong and not easily guessable, and you should not use the same password on other sites.
3. Update your software (OS)
This is a never-ending chase between hackers and software makers. Not updating your device software, e.g., Windows, can expose you to malicious backdoor programs that can easily scan your device and steal your personal info. The same should apply to smartphones. Stay safe; update your device as needed, especially if it is a security update.
4. Be wary of scams
If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Phishing (where someone sends you an email or link to a website that looks legit to get your information) is rampant these days. Don’t click any links from unknown users sent to your mailbox. For example, check that from within the site if you are looking for discounts.
5. Be careful when connecting to public WiFi hotspots.
Most people don’t know how easy it is for hackers to set up a public WiFi Hotspot so they can steal your private information when you log in and use it. When not shopping online, be mindful of those free public WiFi connections.
6. Beware of sites asking for too much personal information.
Is it asking you to provide unusual personal information such as your NIN, driving license or something similar? Be wary of that. If a site requires you to input more than the usual amount of info, be doubtful.
7. Use legit/official versions of apps (and update them often)
Like your smartphone or computer’s operating system, apps get too updated often. It is recommended that you update to the latest version of the app to ensure the security of your transactions.
8. Use passcodes/passwords to secure your device.
A huge chunk of online shoppers in Uganda shop via their mobile phones. For security purposes, set up some sort of password protection should you (unfortunately) lose your phone–this would help prevent the thief from shopping on your behalf.
In Conclusion…
It makes no difference whether you purchase from a B2C marketplace, a B2B marketplace, a single store, a free classifieds ad site, or a Facebook group; only purchase from a reputable seller. Avoid online shopping websites in Uganda that do not have a clear warrant and return information. Similarly, avoid anyone who asks for money before delivering a product on a classified site or on Facebook.
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