Uganda Retailers and Wholesalers Association (URWA)
Wednesday, 28 September 2016
Uganda Retailers and Wholesalers Association (URWA): Public Private Partnership in Retail (R/PPP) Strat...
Uganda Retailers and Wholesalers Association (URWA): Public Private Partnership in Retail (R/PPP) Strat...: Public Private Partnership in Retail (R/PPP) Strategy in Uganda Public Private Partnership in Retail (P...
Uganda Retailers and Wholesalers Association (URWA): National Retail Council (NRC)
Uganda Retailers and Wholesalers Association (URWA): National Retail Council (NRC): National Retail Council (NRC) Following the drafting of the Public Private Partnership Strategy in Retail Industry (PPP/R) in ...
Uganda Retailers and Wholesalers Association (URWA): Uganda’s Retail Industry Analysis 2016
Uganda Retailers and Wholesalers Association (URWA): Uganda’s Retail Industry Analysis 2016: Uganda Retailers and Wholesalers Association (URWA) Uganda’s Retail Industry Analysis 2016 Backg...
Uganda’s Retail Industry Analysis 2016
Uganda Retailers and Wholesalers Association (URWA)
Uganda’s Retail Industry Analysis 2016
Background
Uganda, with the
population of more than 35 million people and an increasing economy, is a
potential market for the retail industry. Uganda has the youngest population in
the world, with 77% of its population being under 30 years of age and about 18%
of its population is between the ages of 15 – 24 years. The word retail is
derived from the French word „retailer‟ meaning „to cut a piece off‟
or „to break bulk‟. The retail industry is operated by local and foreign small,
medium and large scale retailers. Many international retailers are operating in
Uganda alongside local companies. Over the next 10 years, about 7 million
people whose age is between 15 and 24 at the moment will enter the consumer
market. These figures show that Uganda is holding a “potential” retail index.
Uganda is now developing and becoming one of the most dynamic emerging
countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Higher living standards and rising income have
enabled people to spend more for their lives. Currently, the total retail sales
of goods and services cannot easily be estimated but partial indexes show. With
the exception of the last financial year, sales have been rising year after
year and total turnover of retail sales in 2017 is predicted to overcome the
previous year. Despite internal and external factors like political volatility,
energy shortages and climatic changes threatening its economic stability,
Uganda has emerged with encouraging positive real GDP growth rates throughout
the previous decade. Many global analysts remain positive of Uganda‟s
exponential growth potential in the coming years. For instance,Ugandais counted
among the fastest growing economies in Africa. There is growth in per capita
income (3.2% in FY2012), real private consumption (3.3%) and global imports
(7.4%), it is likely that the global market for goods and services will draw significant
contributions from it.
Importance of
Retail in Uganda
All the factors
thus far explained like increasing income, urbanization and consumer awareness
hint at a potentially large market for goods and services in Uganda. It
therefore, comes as nosurprise that within the services sector, the country‟s
wholesale and retail trade sector has gained momentum in the past decade.
Estimates for Uganda‟s retail market today vary widely, the industry mostly
reported to the tune of USD 5 billion with annual sales in excess of USD 8
billion.Retailing involves a direct interface with the customers and the
coordination of business activities from end to end. Not only has Uganda
experienced a transition from small retail clusters to large wholesalers and
shopping malls in the recent past, it has undergone a massive retail revolution
in becoming home to a wide array of international brands (Like Unilever,
Johnson, etc ) and famous international supermarkets chains (Like
Shoprite,Nakkumat, Tuskys,etc). Other retail giants are
expressing interest in establishing operations in Uganda.
The retail
sector in Ugandais unique and although disorganized, enjoys being one of the
largest following agriculture. The share of wholesale and retail trade in GDP
averaged around a steady 18% in the past decade and that in services, around
47%. It is also one of the country‟s largest employers, employing around 16% of
its total labor force.Since wholesale and retail trade comprises more than a
third of Uganda‟s service sector which itself constitutes more than 47% of
Uganda‟s GDP, a strong correlation exists between growths of the three. As it
appears, Uganda‟s wholesale and retail trade bears potential to steer the
country‟s overall economic growth by possessing a strong influence over
contraction and expansion of services and GDP growth.Thus, given the
significance of Uganda‟s retail sector in the economy‟s overall growth and the
immense potential it carries, it is imperative to shed light on the sector‟s
future development and the opportunities it has to offer.
Uganda’s Retail
Industry
An Overview
A particularly
encouraging aspect about Uganda‟s growth is the increasing contribution of the
services sector during recent years. Currently contributing 47% to real GDP,
the services sector has maintained a majority‟s average since at least a
decade. The continuous growth in Uganda‟s services sector since 2013/14 is
indicative of many positive changes in the economy. It signifies overall
economic growth and hints at the presence of an increasing consumer base with
expanding incomes or purchasing power to enjoy a larger share of services in
their consumption bundles. Uganda is a resilient economy despite its size,
its real GDP, showing positive growth in recent years.
Highlights
•
Uganda‟s
retail sales are likely to increase by 30%in the next 5 years
•
Retail
formats in Uganda are transforming rapidly - the share of community small shops
(mom and pop) and general stores is expected to decline by 50% in future years
in favor of large wholesalers and retailers
•
In
6-7 years, retail giants like Nakumatt, Tuskys, Mega Standard and Shoprite have
established more than 12 branches in Uganda with immediate expansion plans for
at least 10 more
•
Demand
for such is driven by individual characteristics like income, education and
household size and external factors like quality, quantity, variety and
convenience of shopping
•
Innumerate
retail investment opportunities exist in a range of sectors in Uganda like
food, apparel, footwear, health &beauty, consumer electronics and home
furnishings
• Retail
developments are also fueling the demand for commercial real estate. Low share
of organized retailing, comparatively low real estate rents and growing
consumer aspirations
•
A
growing population size with more than 35 million people dominated by youth
which will boost the environment to develop the retail industry
•
Uganda
is one of the African emerging marketswith an increasing income index, people
to spend more for consuming, andtherefore boost the retail market in the
future.
•
There
is an increasing urbanization which is an important factor increating a
convenient environment for the development of the retail market.
• There is a growing
number of female workers with increased purchasing power.
Such growth in
Uganda‟s retail industry is crucial to maintaining its competitiveness compared
to other African giants and neighboring countries. Trends in Uganda, however,
remain quite encouraging in the development of new retail formats and
establishment of an increasingly large number of international organizations‟
retail outlets all across the country.
Retail Formats in Uganda
1. Small Retailers
Historically,
the retail scenario in Uganda‟s major cities has been dominated by a large
number of small sized retailers. Traditional „Dduuka‟ (mom and pop) stores have
overshadowed consumers‟ grocery shopping experiences in Uganda. However, after
a long absence of large retail chains, new preferences emerging among consumers
indicate the advent of important developments at the country‟s retail front.The
distribution of Dduukashops per thousand populations decreased during
2002-2010whereas that of supermarkets and hyper-supermarkets rose over the same
period. Moreover, the combined share of Dduuka is expected to decline to 50% in
future years. On the other hand, supermarkets and hyper-supermarkets are gradually
replacing traditional small scale retailers and gaining popularity by providing
a wider array of services under one roof. More recently, a number of
international wholesalers like Nakumatt and Tuskys have established large
centers within the country and are operating successfully. Such evidence,
therefore, points to the decline of traditional stores and small retailers and
the shift in consumer preferences in favor of large departmental stores,
supermarkets and hyper-supermarkets centers.
2. Supermarkets and Hyper-Supermarkets
Amidst popular
local stores, like capital shoppers, mega standards and quality supermarket in
Kampala and suburbs, the metropolitan cities of Uganda recently witnessed the
advent of huge international wholesale chains that proliferated rapidly in the
following years. Uganda has become home to three of these large supermarkets
chains with approximately 12 branches flourishing already and expansion plans
underway for many more. Shoprite, the first modern supermarkets chain to establish
in the country, offers high quality products at competitive
prices for 20,000- 25,000 varieties of food and non-food items under one roof.
The Kenya based supermarkets chains Uchumi and Nakumatt established their first
centres in Kampala in 2010 to offer retail
solutions to professional buyers for upto10,000 food and 30,000 non-food items.
The most recent addition to the retail market, Tuskysis another hyper
supermarket shelving up to 30,000 items, running successfully in Kampala and
suburbs and already planning expansion
While it is hard
to contest the success of such strategic retail solutions with convenient one
stop shopping, efficient concept designs and competitive
pricing, it is important to analyze demand drivers and changes in consumption
habits and preferences that have fueled their growth at the same time. In
addition to large-scale factors explained in the previous section, many micro
or household level factors have influenced the shift in consumer preferences towards
modern retail and wholesale purchases.
Demand Drivers
From
individual traits like age, gender, education and occupation to household
characteristics like family size, average monthly household income and
ownership of transport modalities, a range of factors are affecting
buying decisions today.
Household
size, education and income, in particular, have a significant influence over
retail shopping. A Kampala-based sample study revealed that majority of the
households with 6-8 family members shopped at “mom and pop”shops whereas those
with smaller family sizes (3-5) shopped at large supermarkets. Cross studied
with income, it may be observed that larger families are associated with lower
income levels and smaller families with higher ones. A majority of the sampled
population with average monthly household income beyond UGX 4,000,000 shopped
at supermarkets. The study also established that large stores were preferred by
individuals bearing higher education levels like Bachelor‟s degree as opposed
to intermediates who typically chose “mom and pop” shops.
Overall,
convenient and quality shopping has steered consumers towards modern retail
shopping options. A majority of Ugandan consumers seek a wide array of quality
products in adequate quantities under one roof. For about 55% of the sampled
survey, convenient and attractive display was also a strongly agreed upon
driving factor. The study also establishes how consumers normally regard
crowded shopping places and long queues as major shopping stressors. There is
no surprise, therefore, that consumers have increasingly resorted to spacious,
organized retailing stores with a wide assortment of products. The fact that
these are „one stop‟ shopping solutions also implies that consumers have
started making more „planned‟ purchases as opposed to needs-based ones. In
fact, for many, a trip to modern retail and hypermarket centers may even mean a
pleasant family outing where all family members can shop together, and with
convenience and ease.
Modern Retailing
IMPORTANT SECTORS
1. Foods&
Beverages
It is estimated
that the average Uganda consumer spends up to 64% of his income on food. As far
as fresh food produce is concerned, consumers have historically preferred to
shop at traditional wet markets, obtaining the satisfaction of hand-picked
fruits and vegetables and negotiable prices. The trend, however, gradually
shifted towards local mini-supermarkets and more recently, towards hypermarket
centers like Nakumatt, Mega Standard, Capital Shoppers, Quality, Shoprite and
Tuskys, where consumers now increasingly shop for better quality, quantity,
variety as well as competitive prices in a much more consumer-friendly
environment. The development of such supermarkets is still in infancy though,
and carries much potential for future growth. Apart from individual and
household consumption, these big retailers have also experienced great interest
from commercial/professional buyers including bakeries, restaurants and hotels.
The market for
processed foods is also booming. With life becoming fast-paced in Uganda, food
on the go and ready to cook has become increasingly popular, being reflected in
the popularity of bakers and brands like KFC, Chicken Tonight, Mr. Tasty. With
increased trade and a better taste for quality products, the demand for
imported items is also on the rise. Only a decade ago it was estimated that a
good fifth of Uganda consumers were already consuming imported products. This
ratio is expected to have enhanced significantly in the past decade. Items like
juices, canned fruit, sauces, honey, coffee, candy,
condiments, nuts, dressing, snack foods, chocolates, powdered milk and other
dairy products, particularly ice cream, are becoming increasingly popular.
Dietary foods and other imported products are also in high demand as a result
of the growing emphasis on health and changing lifestyles in Uganda. Although
many international brands are popular, there is good potential for new ones,
particularly if they are price competitive and marketed well. Imported items
may also be made available at traditional stores, albeit in smaller quantities
and fewer varieties. Since traditional markets are small and independently
owned, they generally purchase imported products from community focused
wholesalers rather than agents and distributors.
Perhaps the
biggest surge in the food industry has come across in the form of restaurants
and cafes mushrooming in Kampala. Their demand is simply insatiable, explaining
why many local restaurants remain profitable even in the presence of popular
international food chains. Locally, very few local restaurants have sensed the
opportunity and diversified their operations to provide catering and dining
services with bigger expansion plans.
Apart from their
love for traditional Ugandan food, consumers in Uganda have also come to
appreciate a variety of cuisines like European, Japanese, Chinese and Korean through
a number of exquisite and modern restaurants. International food chains like,
KFC and Domino‟s, on the other hand, have already long enjoyed the booming
consumerism in Uganda and have more recently attracted other players like Java
to join the league.
2. Apparel –
Clothing Industry
Having
experienced a fashion revolution in the last couple of decades, Ugandais
dominated by used clothing industry by both the middle class and third class
citizens. The Ugandan clothing industry sector deserves a special practical
body/association to plan and represent this retailsubsector which is always
attracting attention from tax authorities, policy makers and
regulatorsresulting in a well-informed, rather transformed industry. The local
apparel market partly centered in Kiyembe business centre is growing slowly
facing competition from increased demand for used clothes and other textiles.
The market is segmented, providing for men, women and children of all ages and
offering a range of lines, from casual to
semi-formal, work, school uniform,traditional wear, cultural casual and bridal
wear. Generally Uganda has not yet attracted international designer brands in
the industry compared to other countries in the region.While traditional wear
is one obsession, casual lines of jeans, T-shirts and tops are another favorite
amongst the youth of Uganda. Moreover, most of the local casual wear stores -
boutiques have spread rapidly in major cities and towns of Uganda selling both
new and used clothes.
3. Footwear
Uganda‟s
footwear industry is dominated by new and used shoes leaving little space for
the local producers. The Ugandan Bata Shoe Company used to produce locally but
seem to have diversified to more cost effective production methods. The local
craft shoes industry also produces mainly for the local casual footwear and
women shoes.
4. Beauty and
Cosmetics
In Uganda, there
is as much emphasis on beauty as there is on health, if not more. Uganda has
emerged as a huge market for both local and international cosmetic brands in
the past two decades. Few local companies; Avis, Movit, Nivea and Samona
possess a majority of the local market share. International brands of the
highest order like L‟Oreal, Dark & Lovely, Revlon, Ultra Sheen, etcare also
extremely popular among females.
5. Electronics
According to
recent surveys, Uganda‟s consumer electronics market is expected to grow by an
annualized increasing rate. To some extent, this expected surge can be
attributed to the overall shift in trends and consumer preferences from a
clustered group of small retailers to large, exclusive retail outlets also well
reflected in Uganda‟s consumer electronics sector. For instance, while Luwum
Street in Kampala has historically been the hub of all trade and retail
activity in the electronics market for audio/video devices like DVD players,
televisions, video cameras and flat screens, a number of market players like
Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic and other brands have, over time, established
exclusive display centers which offer complete
customer satisfaction in genuineness and quality as well as convenience of
shopping. Many have also set up after sales customer care centers which
guarantee solutions to problems regarding return, exchange, maintenance and
repair. Such outlets with their customer care services have encouraged sales in
the recent past.
The most booming
subsector within the electronics market, however, is telecommunications. With
an increasing mobile subscriber penetration rate, Uganda is home to more than
15000 cell phone retailers where early players like Nokia, Samsung, Tecno,
Itel, HTC and Huawei continue to possess significant market share. However,
more recently, the potential of the telecommunication industry in Uganda has
invited top notch brands like Sumsung and Tecno to operate under franchises
across towns of the country. Mobile handset sales are expected to grow at a
compound annualized increasing growth rate.
The demand for
desktop computers and laptops in Uganda is also on the rise and accounted for
around 25% of its consumer electronics spending in 2015. With increasing
consumer awareness and expanding incomes, many storesespecially on Kampala Road
continue to record encouraging sales. Forecasts of Uganda‟s domestic market
computer hardware sales (including notebooks and accessories) are expected to
be on the rise. It is forecasted that this segment of the market will grow by
an average of about 10%.
5. Home
Furnishings
The emphasis on
home furnishings retail in Uganda has grown tremendously in recent years. With
an improvement in living standards and better awareness, excess demand for
quality bed linens, curtains, cushion covers, towels etc has spurred the growth
of these product lines. Uganda‟s wood industry, too, is developing and captures
70% of the country‟s total market for furniture. The market is divided into
home use and contract markets, constituting supplies to hotels, restaurants, offices
and public facilities.
The demand for
quality furniture, like other quality home accessories in Uganda, is constantly
on the rise and a number of state of the art showrooms have been devoted to it.
Foreign owned companies from Asia are leading furniture companies in
Ugandaoffering one-stop solutions for several products including office
furniture, home furniture, kids furniture, kitchens, doors, wardrobes,
sideboards and flooring.
6. Hardware and
Building Supplies
An overall
increase in residential building investment, commercial buildings, household
discretionary income, and growth in the number of households have supported the
hardware and building supplies retailing industry over the past years.
Households undertaking DIY (Do It
Yourself) home
improvement renovations and repairs have also boosted the industry's performance.
An undersupply of affordable housing and rising house prices have deterred many
home owners from moving, instead choosing to improve their existing homes
through DIY renovations. This has contributed to industry revenue growth over
the past years. The industry has undergone structural changes over the past
years as large national retail chains have fought to capture more of the
expanding DIY home improvement market. The industry‟s performance depends on
private capital expenditure trends for new and existing properties. The largest
market for industry operators is DIY customers who undertake renovation,
maintenance and building projects on existing homes.
7. Fresh Grocery
Retail industry
Ugandan fresh
grocery sales and supplies have increased along with the consumer interest in
eating and living well. With a growing middle class population in Uganda, the
perception of losing weight is always followed by more fresh foods and even
using such foods as medicine. Most fresh grocery products are sold in temporary
structure wet markets, stalls and others on the streets. Fresh grocery stalls
are continuously being fixed on supermarkets and retail shops. Uganda is known
to be an agricultural country but there is a total disconnect between the
agricultural officers, economists, local governments, health officers,
nutritionists, sociologists, policy makers and urban planners to adequately
plan for this sector which sometimes makes the industry violent and neglected.
8. The Craft
Retail Market
Tourism brochures
often describe Uganda as “the Pearl of Africa.” Visitors think they will find a
unique craft market teeming with entrepreneurs. The Craft Market mainly on
Buganda Road and National Theatresells goods from fashion to home products,
decorations, traditional tools, antiques and curios to leather goods. However,
more than 40% of the craft products are imported from neighboring Kenya,
Tanzania, DRC Congo and West Africa. Most craft businesses are ran on a small
scale and the infrastructure housing most retail craft businesses are in frugal
temporary structures despite the craft industry being a key component and
supporting sector of the tourism industry in Uganda which generates a lotto the
national GDP.
9. Stationery
and Office Supplies
This industry
mostly found on Nkrumah Road and Nasser Road in Kampala comprises businesses
engaged in Stationery, school supplies, and office supplies; Office equipment,
furniture, and supplies; and Office equipment, furniture, and supplies in
combination with selling new computers and consumables. There is growing
decline of sales in the retail market of stationery products which has been
ushered by digitalization of the economy and the rise of electronic
communication forms such as e-mail and electronic invitation, websites, which
have drained demand for traditional paper products. With electronic
communication quickly becoming the most popular medium for interaction,
stationery products are increasingly becoming obsolete. In the coming years,
stationery product retailers will contend with intensifying competition from
substitute forms of communication.
10. Auto Parts
Retailers
The auto parts
retailers are concentrated at Kisekka Market business centre, Ben Kiwanuka
Street, Nabugabo Road, Industrial Area, Katwe and Ndeeba in Kampala and is
comprised of two kinds of markets: those that sell replacement automotive parts
and accessories to "do-it-yourself" customers and to commercial
"do-it-for-me" clients; and those that sell a wide assortment of new
and used vehicles over the networks of national franchised dealerships. The
Auto Parts Stores industry is expected to grow slowly over the coming years.
Per capita disposable income and corporate profit have bolstered demand for
auto parts. Moreover, favorable car usage trends have led to growth in demand
for auto products in the short term. However, advancements in motor vehicle
technology have made it increasingly difficult for vehicle owners to repair and
maintain vehicles without professional help. In the coming years, industry
revenue is expected to grow. As the national level of per capita disposable
income continues to rise, more consumers will increase their spending on
vehicles and automotive products.
10. Online
Shopping
Ugandans are not
very active in online shopping. The transaction amount is still very low as
compared to the entire retail industry. Online sales only accounts for less
than 0.5% of the total retail sales in Uganda with olx, hellofood and other few
companies are trying to penetrate the market.
11. Wholesale
Distribution Industry
Major
wholesalers and distributors are mainly based in KikuuboBusiness Centre in
Kampala and others in industrial area and suburbs. Companies in this sector
mainly distribute durable and nondurable goods. For most distributors, demand
is closely linked to local economic activity and the industry is highly
fragmented. The major segments of Uganda‟s wholesale sector are distribution of
nondurable goods (about 70% of industry revenue) and durable goods (about 30%).
Leading categories of nondurable goods are groceries, personal care products,
cosmetics and drugs. The largest durable goods categories are electrical goods
and electronics, professional and commercial equipment, machinery, auto parts
and stationery.
Retail Formats by
Regional Concentration
The contemporary
retail sector in Uganda is well reflected in Kampala and its suburbs in the
form of sprawling shopping centers, malls and complexes. Ushering the shopping
revolution, local and foreign large scale real estate investments in these
cities have remained crucial in developing the required infrastructure and
buildings for such shopping areas. Kampala‟s recently developed Garden City
Mall, for instance, stands tall and broad above a number of small to medium
sized malls. However, further real estate investments in these
retail-concentrated cities remain the need of the hour and new shopping
complexes need to be built to meet consumers‟ insatiable demand, with wide
parking spaces, clear paths for pedestrians, wide corridors, maintenance
contracts, completely facilitated shops, central air conditioning and numerous
other amenities.
Commercial Real
Estate in Uganda
Despite Uganda‟s
rapidly expanding population and noticeably improving infrastructure, the
demand for commercial real estate in the country remained nearly unaddressed in
previous years. However, the sector now assumes growing importance with
increased liberalization in the country combined with the economic growth. With
a torrent of international brands establishing footholds in Uganda in recent
years and tremendous business opportunities for local & foreign players,
the demand for commercial space in the country is rapidly on the rise. Retail
sector developments are now strongly influencing those in the real estate
market.If industry experts are to be believed, the prospects of both the retail
and real estate sector are mutually dependent. Retail, one of Uganda‟s leading
sectors, has presently emerged as one of the most dynamic, fast paced and
booming industries of its time attracting countless local and international
players. The trends driving the growth of retail in Uganda are
•
Low
share of organized retailing
•
Comparatively
high real estate prices & rents
•
Increase
in disposable income and customer aspiration
•
Increase
in expenditure for luxury & branded items
•
Un-monitored
pricing policy of real estate prices and rates
•
Low
share of locally produced products
•
Lack
of a national retail charter
The low share of
organized retailing further fuels the demand for commercial space and indicates
prospects for growth in both sectors. To cater to such growing demand, a number
of initiatives are under way and are likely to attract huge investments.
Currently being
in its nascent stage, the scope for Uganda‟s commercial real estate market for
modern retail is simply unlimited. Shopping today has become much more than
just that- it is increasingly a source of family fun, entertainment and
recreation. Thus, plazas and malls not only require space to host supermarkets
and local and international brand outlets but also food courts, children‟s play
areas, cinemas and other recreational facilities. Since Uganda already lacks in
the provision of such services, the pressure on building such spaces,
particularly in Uganda‟s urban cities, is very high. Unfortunately, Uganda‟s
retail real estate rates are increasing charged in foreign currencies
especially US Dollars making it hard for the indigenous local retailer to
effectively plan for his business as he cannot easily track foreign economies‟
currencies which is a bit more speculative in nature and predisposes them to
loss of their national economic sovereignty. The excessive use of foreign
currencies when paying for retail real estate rent puts Uganda in a transitional
state like other new young nations which many retailers say is a violation
andlaxity of the national monetary and financial policy.There is need for a
commercial rent policy which will cater for commercial tenants‟ rights. Tenants
argue that small businesses have no legal power against immediate evictions.
Commercial tenants have less protection against sudden rent increases and rent
in foreign currency.
Kampala’sPotential
Highlights
•
Buganda,
Uganda‟s most populous province, is the investment destination for most local
and foreign companies
•
Kampala,
the capital of Uganda, with a population of over 1.5 million is the largest
city of Uganda followed by Mbale, Mbarara and Jinja and ranks 3rd
amongst the East African cities.
•
Much
of Kampala‟s commercial activity is developed along important streets like
Luwuum Street, Kikuubo business center, Nabugabo road, Ben Kiwanuka Street,
Market Street, Owino Market, Kiyembe business center, William street and Kampala
Road, and in suburb pockets like Ntinda, Kawempe, Nateete, Kamwokya, Bwaise,
Nankulabye, Kasubi, Nansana, Bugolobi, Luzira, Kabalaga, Kansanga, Gaba,
Najanankumbi, Namasuba Zana, Wandegeya, Katwe, Nakawa and Ndeeba.
•
Kampala‟s
traditional multi-storeyed plazas, however, are no longer fit to serve the
purpose of retail in the city. The city is in serious dearth of large shopping
malls and hyper supermarkets and many building are restructuring to meet the
current needs and tastes.
•
Lucrative
real estate investment opportunities therefore exist in the construction of
large shopping complexes in Kampala with thousands of square feet of floor area
to attract international chains, and amenities like escalators, wide
corridors/walking spaces, clean toilets and ample covered parking to attract
consumers.
Being
Uganda‟s most populous province with several major divisions like Kampala,
Kira, Mukono, Masaka, Wakiso, Mpigi,Masaka, etc, Buganda is currently the ideal
destination for retail and real estate investments.Buganda‟s capital, however,
remains the strategic city of Uganda, which has historically been the
province‟s center of economic, political, entertainment and cultural
activities. Kampala, with a current population of over 1.5 million, is the largest
city of Uganda and ranks 3 amongst the East African cities. Showing consistent
intake of various international chains despite riots, real estate experts and
businessmen have come to believe that Kampala is a breeding ground for
multinational companies, banks & international brands.Kampala‟s
geo-strategic location along with its level of infrastructure, hospitality and
logistic facilitiesmake it an ideal location for companies to base their
wholesale and retail trade operations to serve local and regional markets.
Kampala’sReal
Estate and Retail Potential
Administrative
|
Major Localities
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Divisions
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Central Division
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Kampala
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Nakivubo
|
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Wandegeya
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Kololo
|
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Town
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Kamwokya
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Rubaga
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Mengo Town
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Kasubi Town
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Nankulabye
|
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Town
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Nateete Town
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Nakawa
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Nakwa Town
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Ntinda Town
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Bugolobi
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Mbuya
|
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Makindye
|
Kibuye Town
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Kabalagala Town
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Kansanga Town
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Nsambya Town
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Kawempe Town
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Mpererwe Town
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Kalerwe Town
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Bwaise Town
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Much of Kampala‟s commercial activity
has developed along some major roads in the city.
The Changing
Face of Kampala
Of the earliest
retail traditions in Kampala, outdoor markets and bazaars still remain
pervasive and are resonated by shopping places like Owino Market, Kikuubo and Luwuum
Street. Kampala began the culture of shopping plazas and has, today, rapidly
progressed to become home to some magnificent multi-storeyed ones for modern
retail top floors. While plazas currently represent most of the commercial real
estate activity in Kampala, the demand for huge shopping complexes with
amenities like escalators, wide corridors/walking spaces, clean toilets and
ample covered parking remains unmet.
Traditional
Central Business Districts (CBDs) including those identified above have begun
to gradually lose their sheen against alternative locations because of their
inability to offer Grade A buildings at competitive
rates. Among the newer commercial areas and markets in Kampala that are marked
with heavy retail activity, Kikuubo andKampala streets are on top of the list
especially for branded stores but still lack the amenities which especially the
international brands require.
One reason why
plazas can no longer serve the purpose of commercial activity in the city is
the rapidly changing, dynamic character of its retail sector. With the
proliferation of international brands within the city, plazas have suddenly
become unattractive with their limited floor space and selling area.
International departmental store chains would require at least 3,000 sqft to
20,000 sqft of floor space for display if they go ahead with their intention of
operating in Uganda. This means that lucrative real estate investment
opportunities exist in the construction of large shopping complexes with almost
entire floors reserved for such international chains.
Map of
Commercial Activity in Kampala
Retail Ownership
Formats in Uganda
Independent
Retailer: An
independent retailer is one who builds his/her business ground up. From
the business planning stage to opening day, the independent retail owner does
it all. He/she may hire consultants, staff and others to
assist in the business endeavor - the opportunities are endless. This model
also suits large retailers and is one of the most prevalent in Uganda.
Franchising:
Franchising
is a continuing relationship in which a patent company provides the right
to use its trademark and management assistance in return for payments from the
owner of the individual business unit. There are two types of franchises:
(i)
Product
and Trade Name Franchises, a distribution agreement under which the supplier
(franchiser) authorizes a dealer (franchisee) to sell a product line using the
parent company‟s trade name for promotional purposes. Historically, this has
been a dominant franchising arrangement in Uganda‟s automobile industry e.g.
Toyota.
(ii)
Business
Format Franchising, where a successful retail business sells the right to
operate the same business in another geographical location. Much of franchising
growth and publicity over the past three decades in Uganda has involved a
similar setup. The concept has gained tremendous acceptance in recent years, as
can be felt from the presence of international chains in various sectors. In
addition to food outlets such as KFC, Javas, Chicken Tonight, Mr. Tasty,
Domino‟s, nonfood sectors such as retailing, convenience stores, hotels &
motels, courier service, security services, and educational training centers
are going to be the growth areas of the future
(iii)
The
Government of Uganda promises an encouraging business environment for franchise
deals. It does not impose any restrictions on investors who wish to establish a
franchise in the country- foreign investors are only required to inform the
Investment Authorities and the Bank of Uganda about their business primarily
for the purpose of repatriation of franchise fee or any profits accrued.
However, the Government has not done much on issues of local content.
(iv)
Strategic Licensing Agreements; A licensing
agreement between two parties grants the licensee the right to market
and sell the product of service of the licensor. It usually covers the cost of
the license, royalty fees as well as territory rights. Compared to franchisees,
licensees are typically granted much more freedom with regard to business
operations, marketing and sales. However, most licensors do require that
licensees adhere to quality assurance standards.
Future Outlook
There is little
denying the fact that Uganda has had a troubled past, but then again, there is
little denying the fact its future holds great promise. Despite the social,
political and economic challenges tossed at it every now and then,Uganda has
progressed to prove its resilience and undeterred vision to parallel any
transitioning developing economy. By highlighting the tremendous potential and
countless business opportunities in just growing retail sector, this analysis
hopes to have brought forth the lighter side of Uganda and its receptiveness
and responsiveness to local and foreign investments.
Uganda‟s current
retail market is estimated at USD 10billion and it is expected to grow by
another 30% in a short span of just 5 years. As sector profiles in the study
like food, apparel, footwear, beauty and cosmetics, consumer electronics and
home furnishings demonstrate the associated dynamism, vibrancy and
insatiability in each sector, such forecasts for Uganda‟s retail industry do
not seem to be too-far-away developments. Needless to mention, the retail
revolution
is also likely
to significantly influence the real estate market in various cities and build
pressure for large, modern, organized retail complexes that will become the
ideal investment destination for a host of international brands.
As it appears,
the overall services and infrastructure developments across metropolitan cities
in Uganda have already picked pace to facilitate such booming sectors of
tomorrow. The surging city of Kampala, for instance, is home to over 1.5
million people with a daily demand of at least 1 million motorized trips for
work, shopping and recreation. The Government of Uganda and the private sector,
therefore, has undertaken numerous transport projects like the Pioneer Bus, RVR
railway train, Taxis, Northern Bypass and Entebbe Express Highway to ease the
pressure on roads and consumers‟ access to basic services. If the city is later
to become home to a network of large, modern malls and shopping complexes, such
developments in transport and infrastructure will remain crucial to facilitate
access. It appears that foreign flows have, more recently, shifted focus from
classic sectors like power to more vibrant ones like food, textiles and
electronics. It is in the light of such developments; therefore, that one can
envision Uganda as the hub of all commercial activity, retail in particular.
URWA Services
URWA is a
nationwide retail trade association, representing supermarkets,
community-focused retailers, home goods and specialty stores, groceries,
wholesalers, distributors, chain supermarkets and retail industry suppliers.
Our mission is to advance the interests of the retail industry through
advocacy, communications, networking, research, innovation and education. URWA
was established in 2008 as the Association of Ugandan Retailers and Wholesalers
and Retailers. URWA empowers and guide members to attain global competitiveness
and make the retail industry a significant contributor to, and driving force of Uganda's economic development. URWA intends to work closely together with the
Government, mainly the Ministry of Trade & Industry (MTIC), the UNCCI and
other private sector federations to achieve its goals and play an important
supportive role to line Ministries in the execution of functions relating to
retailing.
The wholesale
and retail industry is an important contributor to the Ugandan economy as it
accounts for roughly 15% of the country‟s total Gross National Product (GNP)
and 33% of the entire services sector. It employs some 1.2Million people,
representing a significant 18% of the country‟s work force, which means roughly
2 of every ten (10) workers is employed in the retail industry. Recognized as
an umbrella body and a partner in nation building,URWA enjoys the distinction
as the “Pulse and Voice of Uganda‟swholesale and retail Industry.” Retail is
one of Uganda‟s largest private sector employers, supporting one in four
Ugandan jobs, contributing Billions of shillings to annual GDP and it is a
daily barometer for the nation‟s economy.
Uganda Retailers and Wholesalers
Association (URWA)
P.O.Box 29324 Kampala, Uganda
Email: ugrwa@yahoo.com ,
urwaserv@gmail.com ,www.ugandretailersandwholesalers.blogspot.com
www.ugrwa.org
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