Learn how to make flower arrangements

There is great demand for flowers in all aspects of our lives. Flowers are needed during funerals, weddings, introduction (kwanjula or kuhingirwa) ceremonies, graduation ceremonies, welcoming events, conferences, Valentine’s Day and many other special occasions.

Now imagine how much money one can earn if you had the skills to make flowers according to the different occasions. For example a wreath for a burial ceremony using fresh flowers can cost up to 100,000/= Uganda shillings and those for introduction ceremonies (Kabo ka Muwala) can go up to 300,000/= Uganda shillings. You can make quite some handsome money with your skills in making floral arrangements.

You can work as an apprentice in a florist shop to get skills or you can go to vocational schools like Mengo Vocational Youth Center and study a flower arrangement certificate or diploma course. With those skills you can easily employ yourself by opening your own flower shop or you can work as a freelance if other people in the business realize the unique skills you posses in that field.

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Make money from making jewelry using plastic beads.

You can begin earning money through making necklaces, bungles,bracelets, armlets, wrist bands and earrings from plastic beads. These beads are imported from countries like China and some are from Uganda. And they are readily available in down town Kampala in places like Majestic Plaza and Gaza Land arcades on William Street.

You can get an experienced person to teach you the basics of making some good designs before you can begin making them on your own. One can make products according to current styles and trends and can also make customized orders at an extra fee.

This kind of business does not require huge capital requirements; one can start with as little as 100,000/= shs for the beads and it requires little space. It can also be done from your home hence cutting on the rental costs. Or if you want to operate from town, you can easily sub-let a small space from where you can display your products without incurring huge costs in rental fees.

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Become a barber for a school

This is a small-scale education business opportunity and it will be very profitable for you if have the barbing skill. Most of the boarding schools may be in need of your service if you can barb. You can approach the schools and offer your hair cut services, I bet that the schools will be ready to do business with you.

There are so many boarding schools springing up and this business can add a lot more to your income especially if you have more than 5 schools under your care. Just imagine if a school has about 500 students, they are all you potential clients since they will need a haircut at least in the middle of the term. The best way to approach any school is for you to pay a visit to any of the house parents or house masters (these are the custodian of the children in the hostel).

If you can win them over, then you can get the job. You can also do this business even if you do not have barbing skills, by teaming up with an expert on the trade. Find him the schools and the contracts and share the profits with him.

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Become a commission agent

Many people argue about lack of enough resources to run successful businesses in Uganda, however you can become a commission agent with little or no capital. You can help others by bridging the gap between them and earn money.

A lot of people have things they are selling but have no ways of finding potential buyers. Also many people have things they want to acquire but have no idea of where to find them. You can help bridge the gap between the buyers and sellers.

You can work as a commission agent in sectors like real estate for those selling and looking for land and houses for rent or buying; car bonds, and household items. All you need is to develop a network of sellers and find means of marketing your clients' property. Patience is required in this line of business but you will eventually laugh your way to the bank at the end of the day. This kind of business has potential to earn from both parties; the seller and the buyer.

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Start a movers business

A lot of people do not own their homes, an amazing business idea for Ugandans is to start a a movers business. That means that there is always a big number of people shifting from one place to another. You can reap big from this by providing them with a means of transporting their belongings to another place in a more suitable manner.

People usually shift by loading their belongings on open trucks. This has disadvantages like breakage and soaking in case of a downpour which can come any time in Uganda. Others plan to shift at night for fear of embarrassment because neighbors will notice their property during the day.

However, you can provide a solution to all that by offering to transport people's property in a more comfortable manner. You can do this by use of a body box truck and this can easily be acquired in the numerous car bonds in the country. You just have to begin from your neighborhood and later on expand to other areas when business grow.

In the beginning you can take up the work yourself and one extra person to help you in loading and offloading. One of you has to be with driving skills to drive the van. You can pack some of the clients property in boxes and these you can get them cheaply from merchants after removing their good from them. With time your business will grow and you can decide to use your own branded boxes. Do not forget to brand your truck for marketing your business. Later, you can also offer your services to organisations and offices which are shifting.

In Uganda there is only one international firm doing this king of business called Unimovers. Its a very profitable business and has a high potential for growth and expansion to other areas of the country. A movers business is one of those great business ideas which can reap big profits in Uganda.

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Become an interpreter

A unique business idea for people in Uganda is to become an interpreter.Do you know more than one language, you can utilise that to make money through becoming an interpreter for others. Uganda has many dialects spoken in the different parts of the country. You can offer to help out people who do not know that specific language an a given fee. Many people like tourists,businessmen, people from different regions of the country and NGOs can make use of your services.

Also if you have good knowledge of an international language, it can be a good asset. Few people in Uganda can speak or write foreign languages like Russian,Latin, French, German, Chinese, Arabic or Japanese. You can offer translation and interpreting services more especially to the growing number of business people from foreign countries coming to Uganda. Just imagine if you were good at Chinese how much you can make from the ever increasing number of people from China in the country and yet they do not know English.

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Start a cleaning service for large organisations

Today's business idea for Ugandans is to offer cleaning services. Schools, colleges, hospitals, and Companies with shops, offices, warehouses are all potential customers. Simple cleaning materials can be used along with industrial vacuum cleaners and floor polishers. Start small, but think big. Expand your business by employing others as more work comes in. It`s a competitive business, but there`s always room for another reliable and professional service who can deliver the goods at the right price.

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Make money with a digital printer

Personally this is one of my favorite business ideas which very profitable in Uganda, offering digital printing services to others. In Uganda, everything to do with printing was synonymous with Nasser Road. However the trend has began to change. Now you can make money offering printing services in any place .

There is a lot of material which needs printing currently. From school examinations to calendars to portraits, personalized messages,flyers,posters, CD/DVD labels key holders,business cards, introduction carnations, wedding cards. You can make a size-able amount of money with a digital printer. You do not need to be with graphics skills, many people do their own graphics but require printing services.

There are many brands of digital printers like HP, Canon and Konica Minolita Business Hub. You can get these in electronics shops in Kampala at about 13 millions. Or you can get a reconditioned one from abroad at about 7 millions. And if you do your paperwork right and you place your printer in strategic location your money will be recovered within a short period of time. You need equipment like the printer itself, a personal computer, card reader, laminating machine, UPS, office furniture and space. The viability of this business ideas has made even reputable firms making printers like Canon to set up stores in Uganda.

Just imagine printing A4 size paper goes for about 500/=shs and A3 1000/=shs depending on your location. Imagine if you can print about 100 A4s in a day what amount you can be making in a week other factors constant. These printers can print on most types of printable paper and prices may vary. You can also make extra income by doing graphics for clients before printing for them, laminating and framing.

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Editing photographs for others

Editing photographs is an amazing business ideas for Ugandans in urban areas. You can make money in Uganda by editing photographs for people who do not know how. There are many photographers who do not know how to edit their clients work properly. Therefore you can start a business editing photographs for others.

A lot of freelance photographers usually take photographs of clients and do not have their own computers to do the editing of the photographs them selves. They usually hope to go to Kampala to have the photographs edited and reproduced. This is one of the most lucrative small scale business taking place along Wilson and William streets in Kampala. Many people in arcades like Majestic Plaza, Jesco Plaza among others earn as living off editing photographs for others. This is a great idea for many Ugandan youth because it does not require much capital and is viable in a lot of places.

All one needs is knowledge of editing programs like Adobe suites, a desktop or laptop computer, a scanner,a small amount of money for rent usually about 150,000/= SHS and you are ready to go. This type of business requires less than a million shillings to start. You can add an extra service of taking passport photos or making calendars to increase on your income.

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Become a home cleaner

Begin the new year with this new brilliant business start up idea for a business which has a big potential in the Ugandan market.House cleaning is a chore that some people hate doing, or simply have not got the time or energy to do.

A well organised person could start a business hiring out cleaners to do the work for these type of people. You could work on your own however a far more profitable approach is to employ a number of cleaners on a part-time basis, and keep a percentage of the fee charged, for your business. You do not have to be with a lot of inventory to begin this business. Some cleaning equipment and apparatus is enough to give your business a head-start.

Work can also be obtained for cleaning offices and shops. Ensure the people you employ are totally trustworthy and good workers. Always pay a fair wage for a fair days work. The growing population of corporates in Uganda is a vital market for your home cleaning services.

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Offer a mobile car valeting service

Mobile car valeting is another unique business start-up idea that can be set up in Uganda. It could easily be started without too much difficulty. You can offer more than just a 10 minute car wash. Using good quality upholstery cleaning materials and polishes, plus a powerful vacuum cleaner, you can offer a full valeting service, with a smile. Your aim should be to build up a customer round and always be on standby to answer emergency calls when your customers need a quick clean. Many people can afford the luxury of having their car washed for them or are too busy to go to the washing bay. Just imagine how much you can make during the usual torrential rains which are common in Uganda.

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Queue for other people

One of those really interesting business start-up ideas is to line up for other people. Nothing is as stressing as lining up for long hours. In Uganda, people have to queue at the bank, ATM machines, registering for things like voters' cards, at the immigration office for passports, at embassies for visas and when entering concert venues.

Many people hate lining up for longer hours like me. This has its own problems like fatigue,dizziness and can cause fainting. A lot many people can willingly depart with a few thousand shillings just to escape that. One can make quite good money by coming up with an agency that offers to queue for people other.

It does not require a lot of finances for things like inventory, all it requires is a few energetic young people who do not mind lining up for a few other if they are being paid for it. With a good marketing and promotional strategy your business will pick up in a short period of time.

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Open up a pawn shop

One can make money with an idea like starting a pawn shop. This is one of those unique business ideas for many budding Ugandan entrepreneurs.A pawn shop is where people go and borrow simple money with their simple assets as collateral. These assets may include items like TV sets, jewelry,watches, antiques, mobile phones, iPad, cameras,gaming equipment and many others. As long as the asset has market value and that person is the rightful owner. Also people who need some quick money can come and sell their simple assets.

A pawn broker operates by lending money to people who put up simple assets as collateral, buying and selling used merchandise. People get an easy alternative to loan sharks by using their assets too get quick money. However, in some societies like Uganda extra caution has to be taken to prove right ownership of the asset. You are most likely to fall on the wrong side of the law if you do not take up stringent measure to prove ownership of the property you are buying. This is because some people are most likely to bring you stuff they have stolen and you will be liable to prosecution for purchasing stolen property if caught. Therefore it is advisable that the customer shows proof of purchase of that particular asset presented.

This is one of those business ideas in Uganda which are very easy to start because you do not need a lot of capital for activities like buying stock. You can start with a little as 1 million Uganda shillings by lending simple money. Those who do not come back to pick their property will be providing you with stock which you can sell to recover your money. This will most likely bring you a lot of profits since you only lend a sum of a quarter of the estimated market value of the collateral. This can work really well in suburban areas and around university campuses.

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Make a venue for parties

Have you got any vacant pierce of land. Or have you have got a big backyard. You can make good use of that by hiring it to people who want to hold parties. That is if it is strategically located near road routes.

A lot of people hold parties and concerts throughout the month. Why not cash in on that by hiring out your ground for holding those parties. What you need is to design the place to look really nice. Plant in some trees to provide shade and include in beautiful flower gardens. You can also put in a permanent structure for purposes like cooking,dressing, and washrooms. People will be looking forward to hosting parties like birthdays, wedding ceremonies, graduations among others at your venue.

You can also provide extra services like snacks, meals, public address system, decorating services, cake making, hiring seats and tables. Customers will find it easy to demand your other services on booking your venue. What you will need is to keep your place and services at their best and you be assured of customers. This is not hard to start if you have a vacant pierce of land already in place. It is a one time investment which will keep bringing you more money in the long-run. However, all that will be possible with the services you offer and the marketing strategy you use for your business.

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Video tape to DVD converting

Many people still have VHS tapes. However that technology is already outdated. And some still use video cameras which use VHS tapes. You can make some quick money starting a business converting from video tapes to DVD.

Video tapes deteriorate within 3 years whether they are constantly played or not. But a DVD can last for a longer period of time. Also many people would like to back up their memorable moments on their computers which cannot be possible with VHS tapes. All that is required is a VCR, conversion software like Nero Burning ROM and a computer with a DVD Writer. A new DVD Writer like LG goes for about 70,000/= Ug SHS and comes with a free copy of Nero inside.

You will need to buy an analogue-to-digital converter which connects the VCR and the computer. The computer has to be with a TV card installed inside to be able to do this. Some editing skills are required because video tapes have more storage capacity than a DVD. Converting one video tape can earn you as much as 20,000/ Ug SHS and it takes a few hours. You can do this for individuals and video camera recorders. The good thing is that you can do this together with another related business like video editing, graphic designing and bulk DVD duplicating.

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Advertise houses for rent on a website

One of the fastest growing industries currently is real estate. The growing population is creating room for more people seeking accommodation. A lot of people do not have their own houses. There fore there are out there looking for affordable houses for rent and buy.

Why not make their search easier by coming up with a website dedicated to houses for rent. Change the trend of broker available sign posts everywhere. Individual brokers make a lot of money by charging both the house owners and the customers. They are entitled to a percentage from what the customer is to be charged for rent. Even the customer is charged fees like house inspection.

A web site could change all that. You need to get in touch with people with houses for rent or sale. An agreement can be met on how much you will be paid for your service. As part of the service you could offer to take interior and exterior photographs of the houses being advertised. Vital information concerning the property should be included for the customers. Price, location, size, proximity to social amenities and any terms of the property owner. This would help guide the customer's judgment.

As the site owner, you would be earning from each property taken through your service. You could also earn through other advertising programs on your site like contextual advertising. All you need is to get a data base of houses indexed properly by location, size and price. With time your services will grow among the many people seeking houses and property owners.

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Chauffeur disabled people

Uganda has a lot of people with disabilities, you can take advantage of this with a business idea of offering chauffeuring services to people with disabilities. Can you imagine the number of people with physical disabilities in your community. Most times these members of our societies face problems with moving from place to place. Disabled people have the capacity to acquire their own vehicles but their physical condition deters them.

How about you start offering them a chauffeuring service. You need to market and maintain a data base of your customers. Your company may be contracted to chauffeur these people to different places. These can be to and from places of work, vacations and other travelling obligations.

You need to acquire suitable vehicles that can accommodate their demands. For example you need to have vans that have space for wheel chairs and crutches. All you need is to keep track of your regular customers. These can even contract you on a permanent basis depending on your service. Contracting a chauffeur is more cost friendly than buying a personal car and hiring a driver. This can become a viable of income to many unemployed youths in Uganda.

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Record memorable events on DVD

Every one of us would like to keep those memorable events in our lives. A lot of events happen in our lives which we do not want to let go. Why not make some money out of keeping those moments unforgettable. Money can be made through recording memorable events on DVD and selling them at a fee.

All you need to do is to be around when that event happens. You have to be well equipped with a nice video camera to catch those moments. Big events like musical concerts, album launches, ceremonies, celebrations, cultural functions and public events. Which Ugandan would not like to keep seeing that memorable Tuesday 9th October 2012 when the country marks its 50th independence celebrations. Or the historical match between Ugandan Cranes and the Zambian national team which took the Africa Nations Cup in 2012.

What one requires is some good camera recording technics to capture the events as they unfold. Some video editing skills and software. A registered company to copyright your work in order to beat counterfeits. A personal desktop computer can be used to transfer the video on to a DVD . A duplicating machine can be used to produce copies in bulk. This can easily be bought in computer shops in the city. Nicely designed labels and covers using software like Adobe Photoshop and Nero cover designer. These can be printed with a simple desk-jet printer to add value to your work. A finished DVD can fetch you more than 15,000/=SHS yet an empty DVD goes for about 700/shs.

People who missed out on the event will highly demand your services. Customers may also include tourists, Ugandans in the diaspora, media houses,schools,and home owners for their entertainment.

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Earn from gabbage

Have you ever imagined how much you can earn from waste material. Waste disposal management is a very big problem in many homes. Even businesses accumulate a lot of wastes which need to be disposed off. These may include used paper, empty soda and mineral water bottles. Homes have wastes like food peelings, tins, polythene bags, paper bags and old clothing material.

You can earn big through all that. Imagine turning one's waste into your own gold mine. For example Nabugabo Updeal Joint Venture charges every shop in Kampala 9,000/=SHS every month. That is for collection of their garbage. Just imagine Kampala has more than 20 shopping malls. And each mall has more than 100 shops. Multiply that by the amount and see how much garbage collection is worth.

In the city outskirts, homes are charged 500/SHS. for garbage collection. However, this service is missing out in many places. Just imagine how many homes each village has. All you need is a collection team, trucks and a disposal area.

More earnings may come if you can sort out the garbage. There are firms which recycle mineral water bottles and polythene bags. You can serve them with raw material. And organic waste like food peelings can be used to produce bio-gas. This is a natural source of fuel. Waste paper can be used to make paper bags and egg trays. See more earnings from people's garbage!!!

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Offer seat-filling service

The number of people going to concerts, shows and other public functions is quite amazing. Wouldn't you like to tap into that and reap benefits. Many people go to concerts and shows with tickets prepaid. However, the tickets do not include reserved seats for the buyers. The seats are on a first come first serve basis.

Now imagine if you offer to keep seats for the ticket buyers at a small fee. You just have to cooperate with the concert organisers. People who buy tickets before can entrust you with them to let you keep their seats reserved. You can employ a few people who can seat fill and pay them a percentage from what the ticket owner paid you. Every one of us would like to go to a place when he knows that he is assured of a place to sit however big the audience may be.

Not much investment is required. All you need is the right connections to events organisers to let you advertise your service at their venue. You do not need to employ permanent workers, a pool of university students and freelancing models can give you a head start. You only contact them when there is a client who wants to keep his seat filled. The workers have to keep themselves looking good and dressing well.

It may not seem to pick in the beginning but with time people will begin to appreciate. You just have to keep your  work ethics suit your customers' satisfaction. Satisfied customers will market your service to to their networks and  may decide to make use of your services more often. Also employ advertising strategies like social networks and let your company be mentioned on concert promotional material.

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