Shopping in Uganda generally falls into two main categories. There are the supermarkets and larger 'western' style stores where a wide range of consumer goods is available, all the products have fixed prices and the layout has aisles and check outs. These shops are frequented by foreigners and the more wealthy Ugandans. These shops are only found in Kampala and the other larger towns and cities.

Most shops are smaller family or community run businesses ranging from road side piles of goods, through small stalls such as those in the picture to the left, through to small shop units with a counter but no aisles or checkouts.

If you are a traveler, or spend most of your time outside Kampala you will do much of your shopping in smaller shops where prices may be fixed or you may need to haggle.

Markets are full of stalls selling everything from padlocks and towels to beef and bicycle tyres.

 

For advice, tips and specific shops, select a link below.

 

Main shops in Kampala What's available, names of main shops and where to go to buy particular things.	Rural Shopping and Markets What's available and what's not in rural areas, and tips for market shopping.
Roadside Stalls What to expect, and things to check before you buy.	The Art of Haggling A useful beginners guide to the art of haggling. If you buy in markets or rural areas you need to read this.