π Uganda's market scene is vibrant and essential to daily life, dominated by sprawling 'katale' like Owino in Kampala. For resellers, the main opportunity lies in 'mivumba' (bales of second-hand clothing and shoes) where designer gems can be found, and in authentic, handmade crafts from regional artisans. Bargaining is not just expected, it's part of the experience; initial prices are always inflated, so negotiation is key to profit.
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Owino Market (St. Balikuddembe Market)
π Kampala
π
Address
Kafumbe Mukasa Rd, Kampala, Uganda
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Open
Daily, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Uganda's largest and most chaotic market, famous for its vast selection of 'mivumba' (second-hand clothing). It's a goldmine for resellers who can handle the intense crowds and endless stalls.
π° What to buy here
π
Designer 'Mivumba' Clothing
Buy5,000 - 25,000 UGX
β
Sell online50,000 - 150,000 UGX on Jiji.ug
Look for intact labels (Nike, Adidas, Levi's). Check seams and zippers carefully.
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Second-hand Leather Shoes
Buy15,000 - 40,000 UGX
β
Sell online70,000 - 200,000 UGX on Jiji.ug for known brands
Focus on real leather. Minor scuffs can be polished out; avoid cracked synthetics.
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Used Handbags and Backpacks
Buy10,000 - 30,000 UGX
β
Sell online40,000 - 100,000 UGX on Jiji.ug
Check for quality hardware (zips, clasps) and clean interiors. Brands like Samsonite or Herschel are great finds.
π
Untested Small Electronics
Buy5,000 - 50,000 UGX
β
Sell online25,000 - 200,000 UGX on Jiji.ug if working
High risk, high reward. Look for items with original chargers. Focus on older models of phones, radios, and game consoles.
Tip:Go on a Tuesday or Friday morning around 8 AM. This is when many vendors open new bales, offering the best chance to find unworn items and designer labels before anyone else.
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π
Nakasero Market
π Kampala
π
Address
5B Market St, Kampala, Uganda
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Open
Daily, 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
More organized than Owino, Nakasero is famous for fresh produce but has a covered section with hardware, textiles, and cheap electronics. It's a less stressful sourcing environment.
π° What to buy here
π§΅
Kitenge & Gomesi Fabrics
Buy20,000 - 40,000 UGX per piece
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Sell online50,000 - 100,000 UGX on Jiji.ug
Look for vibrant, authentic wax prints, not cheap digital reproductions. Uncut 6-yard pieces are most valuable.
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Local Spices and Coffee Beans
Buy5,000 - 15,000 UGX per kg
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Sell online20,000 - 40,000 UGX on Jiji.ug (packaged)
Buy whole beans and spices for freshness. Create attractive bundles for resale.
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Used Hand Tools
Buy10,000 - 30,000 UGX
β
Sell online40,000 - 80,000 UGX on Jiji.ug
Look for older, quality brands like Stanley or Bahco. Surface rust is okay, but avoid pitted or broken tools.
Tip:Ignore the fruit stalls and head straight for the old, covered building. The vendors there are more established and often have older stock, including vintage textiles.
πΊ
Uganda Arts & Crafts Village
π Kampala
π
Address
Behind the National Theatre, De Winton Road, Kampala, Uganda
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Open
Daily, 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
A collection of stalls offering a wide range of Ugandan handicrafts. Prices are aimed at tourists, so hard bargaining is essential for reseller margins.
π° What to buy here
π¨
Barkcloth Art & Tapestries
Buy30,000 - 80,000 UGX
β
Sell online50 - 150 USD on eBay for unique pieces
Look for detailed patterns and high-quality, supple barkcloth. It's a unique Ugandan product with international appeal.
π§Ί
Woven Baskets (Kikapu)
Buy15,000 - 40,000 UGX
β
Sell online60,000 - 120,000 UGX on Jiji.ug
Check for tight weaves and natural dyes. Baskets from the Kigezi region are particularly sought after.
πΏ
Hand-carved Wooden Masks
Buy25,000 - 70,000 UGX
β
Sell online40 - 100 USD on eBay for export
Older, heavier wood with intricate details sells better. Avoid the mass-produced, lightweight tourist versions.
Tip:Visit on a weekday afternoon when it's slower. Build a rapport with a few vendors and ask if they have any older or imperfect stock they'd sell cheaply.
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Jinja Central Market
π Jinja
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Address
Main Street, Jinja, Uganda
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Open
Daily, 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
A large, modern market building in the heart of Jinja. While it has a lot of produce, the upper floors and outer stalls are great for second-hand goods and crafts.
π° What to buy here
π²
Used Bicycle Parts (Boda Boda spares)
Buy5,000 - 20,000 UGX
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Sell online20,000 - 60,000 UGX on Jiji.ug
Look for branded components like Shimano gears or durable frames. These are in high demand.
π½
Local Football Jerseys
Buy10,000 - 25,000 UGX
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Sell online40,000 - 80,000 UGX on Jiji.ug
Jerseys for local Ugandan clubs or vintage European teams are popular finds.
π’οΈ
Handmade Metal Crafts
Buy15,000 - 50,000 UGX
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Sell online50,000 - 150,000 UGX on Jiji.ug
Find artisans turning oil drums and scrap metal into unique furniture and art. These have great margins.
Tip:Head to the tailors' section. They often have off-cuts of high-quality Kitenge fabric for very low prices, perfect for making smaller items to sell.
π
Gulu Main Market
π Gulu
π
Address
Gulu Ave, Gulu, Uganda
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Open
Daily, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
The primary commercial hub for the entire northern region. It's a bustling mix of produce, hardware, and a growing section for second-hand clothing and electronics.
π° What to buy here
Shea
Shea Butter & Local Oils
Buy5,000 - 10,000 UGX per litre
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Sell online20,000 - 40,000 UGX on Jiji.ug (repackaged)
Northern Uganda is famous for its high-quality shea butter ('moo yao'). Buy in bulk and resell in smaller, branded containers.
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Handmade Acholi Jewellery
Buy5,000 - 20,000 UGX
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Sell online25,000 - 60,000 UGX on Jiji.ug
Look for beads made from natural materials like seeds, bone, and clay. These are culturally specific and sell well.
π»
Solar Powered Radios & Lights
Buy15,000 - 40,000 UGX
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Sell online50,000 - 100,000 UGX on Jiji.ug
Very practical items for the region. Test them on the spot. Even non-working units can be sold for parts.
Tip:Many goods arrive here from South Sudan and DRC. Look for unique cross-border items, especially fabrics and tools that aren't common in Kampala.
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Kabale Central Market
π Kabale
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Address
Kisoro Rd, Kabale, Uganda
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Open
Daily, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
The main trading center for the Kigezi highlands. Known for unique highland products and exceptional local crafts, especially basketry.
π° What to buy here
π§Ί
Bakiga Woven Baskets
Buy10,000 - 30,000 UGX
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Sell online40,000 - 100,000 UGX on Jiji.ug or 30-70 USD on eBay
These are some of the highest quality baskets in Uganda. Look for intricate patterns and natural dyes.
π―
Highland Honey
Buy10,000 - 15,000 UGX per litre
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Sell online30,000 - 50,000 UGX on Jiji.ug
The cool climate produces a unique, flavourful honey. Re-bottle into smaller, more attractive jars for resale.
π§£
Woolen Goods
Buy15,000 - 40,000 UGX
β
Sell online50,000 - 100,000 UGX on Jiji.ug
Due to the colder climate, you can find locally made wool scarves, hats, and blankets not available elsewhere.
Tip:Market days are Monday and Thursday, which are the best days to buy directly from the Bakiga women who weave the baskets, cutting out the middlemen.
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Entebbe Kitoro Market
π Entebbe
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Address
Kitoro, Entebbe, Uganda
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Open
Daily, but busiest on Tuesdays
A large local market in Entebbe, Kitoro explodes on Tuesdays with a huge second-hand section. It's less overwhelming than Owino but with similar opportunities.
π° What to buy here
πΆ
Children's Second-hand Clothing
Buy2,000 - 10,000 UGX
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Sell online15,000 - 40,000 UGX on Jiji.ug (as a bundle)
Create 'starter packs' by bundling 5-10 items for a specific age. Parents love the convenience.
π³
Used Kitchenware
Buy5,000 - 20,000 UGX
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Sell online25,000 - 60,000 UGX on Jiji.ug
Look for quality pots, pans, and utensils. Branded items like Tefal or Pyrex are excellent finds.
βοΈ
Ex-pat Clear-out Items
Buy10,000 - 50,000 UGX
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Sell online40,000 - 200,000 UGX on Jiji.ug
Due to Entebbe's large international community, you can often find higher quality household goods and electronics being sold off cheaply.
Tip:Tuesday is the main event. Arrive by 9 AM to get the best picks of clothing and household items. The market is much smaller on other days.
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Bwaise Market
π Kampala
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Address
Sir Apollo Kaggwa Rd, Kampala, Uganda
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Open
Daily, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Located in a bustling Kampala suburb, Bwaise is known for its specialization in furniture and metalwork, both new and second-hand. It's the go-to place for restoration projects.
π° What to buy here
πͺ
Used Wooden Furniture
Buy30,000 - 100,000 UGX
β
Sell online150,000 - 400,000 UGX on Jiji.ug (after minor repairs)
Focus on items made from solid hardwoods like Mvule or Mahogany. Check for woodworm.
πͺ
Architectural Salvage
Buy20,000 - 80,000 UGX
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Sell online100,000 - 300,000 UGX on Jiji.ug
Old doors, window frames, and decorative metalwork are great finds for people building or renovating homes.
ποΈ
Sofa and Chair Frames
Buy25,000 - 70,000 UGX
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Sell online200,000 - 500,000 UGX on Jiji.ug (after reupholstering)
A solid frame is the most important part. You can get them reupholstered cheaply nearby to flip for a large profit.
Tip:Look for the workshops at the back of the market. You can buy furniture 'as-is' for a very low price and then pay a small fee to have them restore it on-site.
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Mbarara Central Market
π Mbarara
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Address
Akiiki Nyabongo Rd, Mbarara, Uganda
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Open
Daily, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
The largest market in Western Uganda, this modern facility is a key trading point for goods from Rwanda and Tanzania. It has a well-organized second-hand section.
π° What to buy here
π
Ankole Cow Horn Crafts
Buy10,000 - 40,000 UGX
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Sell online50,000 - 150,000 UGX on Jiji.ug or 40-100 USD on eBay
The Ankole cattle have famously large horns. Look for polished bowls, mugs, and jewelry. They are a premium export item.
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Second-hand Jeans
Buy10,000 - 25,000 UGX
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Sell online40,000 - 80,000 UGX on Jiji.ug
There is a huge section dedicated just to jeans. Go with a list of popular sizes and brands to be efficient.
πΆοΈ
Dried Local Foods
Buy5,000 - 15,000 UGX per kg
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Sell online20,000 - 50,000 UGX on Jiji.ug
Smoked fish, dried beans, and groundnuts from the region are popular. Repackage them professionally for resale.
Tip:Look for Kitenge fabrics with patterns and colors popular in Rwanda and Tanzania, as they are unique and sought after in other parts of Uganda.
π
Kireka Market
π Kampala
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Address
Jinja Road, Kireka, Kampala, Uganda
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Open
Daily, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Famous for its roadside stone and sculpture market, where artisans carve large garden statues and decorations. Behind this, a sprawling market offers furniture and hardware.
π° What to buy here
πΏ
Stone Sculptures & Garden Decor
Buy50,000 - 200,000 UGX
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Sell online150,000 - 500,000 UGX on Jiji.ug
These are heavy. Factor in transport costs. Offer delivery service as part of your resale price.
πͺ
Off-cut Timber and Wood
Buy10,000 - 50,000 UGX per pile
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Sell online40,000 - 150,000 UGX on Jiji.ug
Carpentry workshops sell their off-cuts cheaply. Perfect for small DIY projects or for artisans who make smaller wooden crafts.
π‘
Used Light Fixtures
Buy10,000 - 30,000 UGX
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Sell online40,000 - 100,000 UGX on Jiji.ug
From renovation projects. Look for unique or vintage styles that can be cleaned up and resold.
Tip:Negotiate at the end of the day. Sculptors are more willing to give a discount on heavy items they don't want to move or store overnight.
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Mbale Central Market
π Mbale
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Address
Nabuyonga Rise, Mbale, Uganda
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Open
Daily, 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
The main economic hub for Eastern Uganda, located at the foothills of Mount Elgon. It's particularly famous for its supply of Arabica coffee grown on the mountain slopes.
π° What to buy here
β
Bugisu Arabica Coffee Beans
Buy8,000 - 15,000 UGX per kg (unroasted)
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Sell online30,000 - 60,000 UGX on Jiji.ug (roasted & packaged)
This is a world-renowned coffee. Learning to roast it yourself can add significant value. Sell it as a premium, single-origin product.
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Bamboo Crafts
Buy5,000 - 20,000 UGX
β
Sell online20,000 - 70,000 UGX on Jiji.ug
The Mount Elgon area has abundant bamboo. Look for unique items like mugs, furniture, and baskets.
π±
Used Phones from Kenya Border
Buy30,000 - 150,000 UGX
β
Sell online60,000 - 250,000 UGX on Jiji.ug
Mbale is a trade route from Kenya. You can find different models of used phones (Tecno, Infinix) than are common in Kampala.
Tip:Buy coffee beans directly from the farmers who come down from the mountain on market days (usually Wednesdays and Saturdays) for the best price and quality.