Bills, money, income…if you are a Ugandan out there, the necessity for money needs no explanation. I mean, there’s always something to pay for, whoever made money was onto something that’s for sure…
that said, there’s also the concern of money never being enough. in fact, the more money one has, the more they need, it just so happens that just as the income increases, so does the “expenses” that need it… again, whoever thought of money transactions was onto something, which is how we got to today’s article. What are some side hustles you can start for some small cash supplement to your income without compromising your current work?
There are plenty of side hustles you can start in Uganda with little money—right from where you are!
Whether you’re working in an office, running a shop, or doing a 9-to-5 job, here are 10 practical and profitable side hustles you can start today without compromising your main job.
1. Mobile Car Wash and Detailing Services
So, we know of washing bays–ake car for wash, come pick it up clean. But what if they(clients) don’t have the time to drive and park at your bay, or what if you don’t have the empty space for them to park and have their cars washed? well, nothing beats mobile anything.
Thing is, Ugandans love their cars, some of us work hard for those travel boxes but few have the time to clean them. A mobile car wash business allows you to offer car cleaning services at homes, offices, or parking lots. All you need is water, cleaning supplies, and a few hours on weekends or after work. Start with your colleagues at work—they’ll love the convenience of getting their cars cleaned while they work!
2. Mobile Money Agent
Becoming a mobile money agent for MTN, Airtel, or other networks is one of the easiest businesses to start in Uganda. With as little as UGX 500,000, you can register and start processing deposits, withdrawals, and bill payments. You can set up a small kiosk near your workplace or operate from home during your free hours.
Although this is probably best if your workplace is nearby, for example, someone operating a normal wholesale or retail shop can easily set up a mobile money agent dealership without compromising their current workflow.
3. Affiliate Marketing
If you spend time on social media, why not turn it into a money-making machine? Affiliate marketing has been around for quite some time now, and while the rush days are a little long past, there’s still money to be made, after all, there are still goods and products to be sold… Affiliate marketing basically involves promoting products and earning a commission for every sale made through your referral links. You don’t need inventory or a physical shop—just a good online presence and the ability to recommend products people actually want.
4. Online Tutoring
Are you good at math, English, science, or any other subject? Parents are always looking for tutors for their children, although we call it coaching here, sometimes, (God I hated coaching…) and with today’s new curriculum focusing on research and internet inclusive, it is easy to become an online tutor. You can teach online via Zoom or WhatsApp during your free hours. With the right marketing, you can even tutor students from outside Uganda and get paid in dollars!
5. Event Equipment Rental
Ugandans love celebrations! Weddings, introductions, and birthday parties happen every weekend. Some just want to listen to loud music every now and then under the company of long lost friends. So, you can invest in chairs, tents, or sound systems and rent them out. Start small by buying a few plastic chairs and a tent, then expand as you get more bookings.
6. Agricultural Produce Sales
If you live near a farm or have access to fresh produce, you can start buying and reselling in urban areas. Many busy professionals prefer buying fresh produce from a reliable supplier rather than going to crowded markets, it’s basically the only selling-point for delivery services like Glovo, “let us do the market juggling for you!” kind of thing. You can take orders during work breaks and deliver after hours, the one-man Glovo, if you ask me… This has been particularly working out for boda boda riders who, after the COVID-19 period, maintained their contacts and services of delivering and working on a personal client basis.
7. Laundry and Cleaning Services
Many working-class Ugandans hate doing laundry. In fact, many people hate doing laundry, but if you don’t mind washing clothes or have access to a washing machine, you can start offering laundry services to your workmates or neighbors. Even better, team up with a dry cleaner and act as a middleman, collecting and delivering clothes.
8. Errand Services
People are busy, and they’ll gladly pay someone to run errands for them. You can offer services like grocery shopping, bill payments, or parcel deliveries. The best part? You can do this during lunch breaks or after work. But since this article is about side hustles that don’t compromise your already standing work, I would suggest this for boda boda guys again. simple, have your variety of clients that trust you enough to give you money to go run these errands for them while they work on whatever they work on.
9. Handmade Crafts and Artisanal Products
If you’re good with your hands, start making handmade crafts like jewelry, home décor, or clothing. Sell them at markets, online, or to colleagues at work. Tourists and locals alike appreciate unique, locally made items. The best example I can give for this is crocheting, have you seen crochet crafts lately? I have! crotchety head socks, even underwear for the beach or something…someone did that in their free time and put it up for sale…
10. Real Estate Agent Services
With Uganda’s emerging real estate market, many people are looking for rentals or houses to buy. You can connect property owners with tenants or buyers and earn a commission. Use your lunch break to make calls, set up viewings after work, and let the commissions roll in, after all, the bigger the sale, the bigger the commission!
A side hustle doesn’t have to drain your energy or take you away from your job. You could aim to find something flexible, low-cost, and profitable. Whether you want to pay off debts, save for something big, or just have extra cash for weekend enjoyment, these side hustles can help you achieve your goals – Uganda’s start-up boom: 2025 trends that will shape the next unicorns
Start small, stay consistent, and before you know it, your side hustle might just turn into your main hustle!
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