Cryptocurrencies have been around for quite some time, with every few years something making the headlines here and there—from crypto scams to Bitcoin price hikes. For Ugandans, however, this particular aspect of money remains rather shrouded. For starters, our government doesn’t stand with crypto; in fact, anyone who ventures into the space does so at their own expense and risk.
“This is to advise that the Bank of Uganda has not licensed any institution to sell cryptocurrencies or facilitate the trade in cryptocurrencies. This is in line with the official government position as communicated by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in October 2019.” Uganda Warns Locals About the Risks of Crypto Investments (Report)
That said, many Ugandans have tried their hand at numerous crypto ventures, as we disclose in the article Every Ugandan Youth Seems to Be Crypto Trading, But What Is it Costing Them? But while the youth have taken up the trend with zeal, some of the more seasoned Ugandans have had little to do with crypto, which is why I’m writing this—to share some ways Ugandans can use cryptocurrency to grow their wealth, despite the uncertain landscape…of course, neither I nor this platform is endorsing anything, this is for educational purposes.
1. Trading and Speculation
Let’s get this one out of the way. Buying low and selling high is one of the oldest strategies in the book, and indeed crypto trading platforms like Binance, Bybit, and OKX have been buzzing with activity from Ugandans looking to earn quick profits. But here’s the reality: crypto markets are volatile, and they don’t care about your hard-earned money. Prices can swing wildly within hours, which, while the main reason earning from crypto is very feasible, is also the reason why it is very dangerous for your wallet. For a Ugandan with limited capital, the emotional rollercoaster might not be worth it unless you’ve done your research and have the discipline to stick to a trading plan.
Pro tip: Never invest more than you can afford to lose. And always, always avoid Telegram gurus promising 100% returns.
2. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Exchanges
Given the government restrictions and limited integration with traditional banking systems, many Ugandans rely on peer-to-peer platforms like Paxful and Binance P2P which allow you to buy and sell crypto directly with another person, often using Mobile Money.
It’s a clever workaround, but not without its risks. You need to be extremely cautious to avoid fraudsters. Stick to verified traders and avoid deals that sound too sweet.
I for one tried the Binance P2P back in the day, and while the transaction and overall experience were good, there were times when I almost had heart attacks. for instance, a mobile money transaction reversal that my buyer initiated after the assets had been released had me at a loss…and that’s not the only way people have been tricked out of business.
Pro tip: Use platforms with built-in escrow protection, and never finalize a transaction outside the platform.
3. Accepting Crypto Payments for Freelance Work
If you’re a writer, designer, developer, or social media manager, you can start accepting payments in crypto from international clients. Platforms like Deel and Bitwage help ease this process.
It is by far one of the safest and most practical ways to earn crypto in Uganda. You work, get paid in USDT or Bitcoin, and you can convert it to UGX via P2P. It’s especially useful for those looking to bypass heavy international transfer fees, and trust me, people, international transfer fees are no joke.
Pro tip: Learn how to use wallets like Trust Wallet or Exodus, and understand how to convert crypto to Mobile Money safely.
4. Staking and Yield Farming
Think of staking as earning interest on your crypto, like a normal savings account that earns interest on your money. You lock up a certain amount of coins (like ETH or ADA) and get rewarded for supporting the network. It’s passive income, but then again not very straightforward: you need to understand the platform you’re staking with, and some tokens might drop in value while you stake.
Yield farming goes a step further, offering higher returns through decentralized finance (DeFi) apps, but it comes with even greater risk and complexity.
Pro tip: Start small. Use trusted platforms like Binance Earn or Coinbase staking.
5. NFTs and Digital Art
Ugandan artists, listen up, and never turn away a chance to earn from your trade. You can turn your art, music, or digital creations into NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and sell them on global marketplaces like OpenSea. A few creatives in East Africa are already doing this and getting paid in Ethereum.
Yes, you’ll need to learn the ropes of minting, gas fees, and wallet security. But it’s an opportunity to showcase your work to the world without a gallery or agent.
Pro tip: Market yourself consistently on social media and learn how to protect your digital wallet.
6. Affiliate Marketing in Crypto
Affiliate marketing is one of the oldest tricks to online money. and it just so happens that most crypto platforms offer referrals or affiliate programs. You promote their app, and when someone signs up and trades using your link, you earn a commission in crypto.
This is a great side hustle if you already have a blog, YouTube channel, or WhatsApp group. The income may start small but can scale up with consistency and trust from your audience.
Pro tip: Only promote platforms you’ve actually used and trust. Your reputation is your currency, the moment you endorse a sketchy platform you lose more than just the referral money, but your loyal audience as well.
7. Building or Working on Crypto Projects
If you’re a developer or product designer, the crypto world is hungry for talent and never seems to rest its innovation engines. Contribute to open-source projects, build your own decentralized apps (DApps), or even join remote teams paying in crypto.
Ugandan devs can land lucrative gigs without ever leaving home, it is the alternative to juggling job boards for remote developer jobs in an already circulated market.
Pro tip: Learn Solidity, Rust, or JavaScript frameworks like React. Join communities like Gitcoin or Web3 Africa to find opportunities.
8. Remittances and Savings
Let’s say you have family abroad. Crypto offers faster and cheaper cross-border transfers than traditional banks. Services like USDT on Tron or Stellar’s XLM can move funds almost instantly and way more cheaply than the traditional transfer channels.
Instead of getting short-changed on exchange rates and fees, crypto offers a borderless, frictionless solution.
Pro tip: Teach your relatives abroad how to send crypto directly to your wallet. Then cash it out locally via P2P.
9. Launch a Local Crypto Business
Some Ugandans are getting entrepreneurial with crypto:
- Running Mobile Money-to-crypto exchange kiosks
- Offering wallet setup services
- Selling crypto-themed merch
- Hosting community events or Telegram groups
These ventures often require minimal capital but can generate decent revenue if you build trust and stay consistent.
Pro tip: Start by solving a real local problem—like helping boda riders receive crypto tips from foreign tourists…or something like that. the thing is, while crypto is widely known in Uganda, not much is done when it comes to using it and the fear of scams is just too great. You have to be a little creative here.
The Big Red Flags
Before we wrap up, let’s talk about warnings. Crypto is filled with:
- Ponzi schemes (like OneCoin and DunamisCoin)
- Fake investment apps
- Phishing scams
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always DYOR (Do Your Own Research) and consult someone experienced.
Crypto in Uganda is not for the faint-hearted. The government isn’t backing it, the banks don’t support it, and regulation is still murky at best. But like any frontier, those who take the time to learn, move smartly, and stay grounded stand a better chance at reaping the benefits. Who knows? Your next hustle might just be one transaction away from the blockchain.
