For months, Zahara sat behind her jewelry stall at Gazaland, a busy shopping center in downtown Kampala, waiting for customers to walk in. “Some days, I sold one bracelet. Other days, none at all,” she recalls. “I made good products but didn’t know how to find more customers.”
Things began to change when Zahara heard about Mkazipreneur 10X Program: Bold women GO DIGITO outreach. A friend told her it was helping businesswomen learn how to grow their sales using digital tools.
“That session opened my eyes,” Zahara says. “I learned that with a smartphone and the internet, I could show my products to more people than those who just passed by my shop.”
After the training, Zahara created a TikTok account to showcase her jewelry. At first, she was unsure. “I didn’t think people would buy through TikTok,” she laughs. But she gave it a try. She started posting short videos and photos of her handmade pieces, and slowly, people began to notice.
Soon, followers turned into customers. “People from as far as Kenya now admire my jewelry and ask me to deliver to them,” she says proudly. “It showed me that my customers aren’t just in Kampala, it’s everywhere!”
Zahara’s story reflects what’s happening across Uganda. According to the Uganda Communications Commission, more than 13 million Ugandans use social media, and about 75% of small businesses say digital tools have helped them reach new customers and grow their income.
Today, entrepreneurs don’t have to wait for buyers to walk into their shops. With a phone, an internet connection, and a little creativity, they can reach people across districts, countries, and even continents.
So, whatever business you do, whether it’s fashion, food, or crafts, don’t limit yourself to your stall or neighborhood. Take advantage of the digital era. Tell your story online. Share your work. You never know where your next customer might come from.
