How tech platforms are shaping the future of urban life in Uganda

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By Ivy Maingi

Uganda’s urban economy is entering a dynamic new phase. It is being driven by digital enterprises, last-mile delivery innovations, and youth-led business models that are unlocking fresh value chains and redefining how commerce grows across metropolitan centers.

This shift is not being led by large infrastructure projects or sweeping policy changes. It is instead coming from the rise of smartphone-based delivery platforms.

In Kampala, Entebbe, Mukono, and other expanding urban areas, platforms such as Glovo are becoming central to how daily life functions. They offer speed, access, and opportunity in equal measure.

In the past, getting essentials often meant a boda ride to the local market or pharmacy. Now it takes just a few taps on a smartphone. Meals, medicine, groceries and even forgotten household items can arrive in under 30 minutes.

For thousands of Ugandans, this has set a new standard for convenience. This is not a passing trend. Delivery has become part of the daily fabric of urban living, supported by widespread mobile access and an increasingly tech-savvy population.

By 2024, Uganda had 13.6 million mobile phone users aged 10 and above, with more than 33 million mobile cellular connections in circulation. This demonstrates strong device access, particularly in cities, and has enabled delivery apps to expand rapidly in response to increasing consumer demand.

Glovo has extended its service beyond Kampala into neighbouring districts. The promise of delivery within 30 minutes has become the standard many now expect. For busy households, working parents, university students, and small businesses, the app is now an everyday tool.

The effect of delivery services reaches far beyond convenience. For many young Ugandans, they provide flexible income opportunities. Riders can work while studying or pursuing other commitments, allowing them to balance earning with other professional goals.

Sustainability is becoming part of this growth story. In 2024, 37% of all orders in Uganda were delivered using non-combustion or electric vehicles, the highest share in Glovo’s global network.

Currently, 39% of riders partnering with Glovo use electric vehicles, with plans to increase this to 70% through subsidies for electric motorbikes offered in partnership with Zembo, a Ugandan electric mobility company.

Electric motorbikes emit 21% less CO₂ than petrol vehicles and can reduce fuel costs by 58%, saving riders an average of Sh84,500 per month. This shift not only lowers environmental impact but also improves rider earnings and resilience.

Small and medium enterprises are also gaining from this trend. Restaurants, convenience stores, pharmacies, and online vendors can now reach customers beyond their immediate surroundings. With the platform managing customer engagement, order processing, and delivery logistics, entrepreneurs are free to focus on quality, customer service, and growth.

Delivery services are improving efficiency in cities. Congestion, unpredictable transport costs, and limited access to certain goods have long been challenges in urban life. Tech platforms help to close these gaps, allowing residents to get what they need without battling traffic or leaving work early in the day.

They are also helping to grow digital literacy. As more Ugandans become familiar with mobile applications, cashless payment systems, and GPS-enabled services, the population becomes better prepared for future developments in fintech, mobility, and online services. This shift benefits the entire digital economy.

The benefits of digital platforms have also been evident in public health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they helped ensure the continued supply of food and other essentials when movement was restricted. Today, many customers, including the elderly, individuals with limited mobility, and parents with young children, continue to rely on delivery as a safe and reliable shopping option.

Glovo and similar platforms have adapted their approach to suit the Ugandan context. By building on the existing boda boda network and investing in local customer support and operations teams, they have created solutions that reflect the realities of life in Ugandan cities. This locally informed approach is what fast-growing urban areas need as they adapt to new challenges.

As urbanization continues, demand for fast, affordable, and reliable delivery will grow. What began as a convenience has evolved into a vital part of city living.

It supports livelihoods, enables commerce, and provides practical solutions to daily challenges. With Uganda’s digital infrastructure expanding and consumer habits evolving, delivery platforms are well placed to play a central role in the country’s urban transformation.

The writer is the Country Manager, Glovo Uganda