Africa-Press – Uganda. Uganda’s retail sector continues to evolve, reflecting changing consumer habits and shifting economic realities.
This festive season, shopping patterns point to a sector that is adjusting rather than retreating. According to Knight Frank Uganda’s Kampala Property Market Performance Review H1 2025, retail occupancy in major shopping malls rose by about two percentage points in the first half of the year.
During the same period, shopper footfall increased by 13 percent, while grocery turnover grew by nearly 8 percent, suggesting steady demand despite pressure on household incomes.
Over the past decade, the entry and exit of large supermarket chains have played a central role in shaping how and where Ugandans shop.
Early arrivals into the organised retail space attracted customers with structured layouts, broad product ranges, and relatively stable pricing.
However, some prominent players, including Shoprite and Tuskys, later exited the market after struggling with rising operational costs, supply chain disruptions, accumulated debt, and business models that proved difficult to sustain in a rapidly changing environment.
Their departure briefly disrupted the organised retail segment, pushing many consumers back toward neighbourhood shops, open markets, and mixed shopping approaches that combined formal supermarkets with informal outlets.
For many households, affordability, proximity, and flexibility became more important than brand scale alone.
Within this changing context, Carrefour Supermarket Uganda has steadily expanded its presence.
The chain currently operates seven outlets across Kampala, giving it one of the widest supermarket footprints in the country.
That scale has allowed it to reach a broad section of urban shoppers, particularly during peak seasons such as Christmas, when demand for groceries, household goods, and festive supplies rises.
Shoppers cite convenience and predictability as key reasons for choosing larger supermarkets.
Esther Nalukwago, a mother of three from Bugoloobi, says the ability to shop for multiple needs in one place helps her manage both time and budget.
Joseph Mukasa, an architect from Kira, notes that consolidated shopping has reduced the need to move between different stores, while Rehema Kyomuhendo, a teacher from Ntinda, values consistency in product quality and pricing.
Beyond store expansion, supermarket chains are increasingly positioning themselves as platforms for local producers.
Carrefour’s Kwata BUBU campaign, which promotes Ugandan-made goods through dedicated in-store displays and price incentives, reflects a broader trend among retailers to align with domestic supply chains while appealing to price-sensitive consumers.
Pricing remains a major factor in consumer choice. Throughout the year, supermarkets have relied on frequent promotions and discounts to maintain traffic.
During the festive season, price reductions on food items, beverages, décor, and household goods have become more pronounced, helping households navigate celebrations amid tight budgets.
At the same time, the growth of new shopping malls has not guaranteed uniform success. Footfall across retail centres remains uneven, underscoring the reality that today’s urban shoppers prioritise accessibility, trust, variety, and overall experience rather than location alone. Retailers that adapt to these expectations appear better positioned to withstand market shifts.
As Uganda’s organised retail sector continues to mature, supermarket chains that balance scale with flexibility, pricing with quality, and local sourcing with consumer demand are likely to shape its next phase.
For many families this Christmas, supermarket visits are less about brand loyalty and more about value, efficiency, and reliability, signals of a retail landscape still finding its equilibrium after years of change.
Source: Nilepost News
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