Uganda's startup ecosystem: behind the hype

Sitting in the shade of Kenya's vibrant innovation scene, Ugandan startups have time to mature, away from the spotlight.

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Tricky positioning

Uganda, which gained independence in 1962, is often a discreet player in its region and on its continent. Its economy is less energized and globalized than its Kenyan neighbor. Its internal situation is often calmer than its Congolese and South Sudanese counterparts. Its development story is not as dazzling as Rwanda’s.

Uganda thus frequently operates in the backdrop of a complex neighborhood. It doesn’t mean that the country is a Swiss-like, wealthy, calm nation. In 2020, the country made international headlines when a popular singer, Bobi Wine, waged a failed but much-mediatized run for president. The country is also internationally renowned for its harsh LGBTQ laws.

On a macro level, the Ugandan development story is viewed as positive. Over the past couple of decades, the country’s literacy rates, healthcare access, and overall economic growth have all increased. An article by The Economist recently highlighted the spurring of “premium” bus services, translating a growth in the country’s middle class. Recently, however, economic growth has slowed.