MAKERERE UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL
PROJECT RESEARCH METHODS
GROUP B / AFTERNOON
We,the undersigned,declare that this proposal is our original
piece of work,and has never been published or submitted for
any award in any other University or Higher Institution of
learning.
NAME REGISTRATION STUDENT NUMBER
NUMBER
NSUBUGA EMMANUEL OWEN 23/U/16156/EVE 2300716156
JJEMBA ROBERT 23/U/24976 2300724976
MUKIIBI MUWANGUZI SAMUEL 23/U/11833/PS 2300711833
NABUKERA HARRIET 22/U/20511/PS 2200720511
Kiberu Joshua 21/U/19419/PS 2100719419
Table of Contents
1. Introduction…………………………….page2
2. Background…………………………….page2
3. Problem statement…………………….page3
4. Purpose of the study………………….page3
5. Objectives of the study……………….page3
6. Research questions…………………..page4
7. Scope of the study………………….page4
8. Significance of the study………….page5
9. References…………………………page5
E-COMMERCE PLATFORM FOR BUSINESSES IN CENTRAL UGANDA
1. Introduction
In today’s world, many people prefer shopping online because it saves time and effort.
Most businesses, especially in small ones, still depend on physical stores, which may not be
Convenient for everyone. This proposal suggests creating an e-commerce platform that will
allow businesses to conduct their activities online, making it easier for customers to shop
anytime, anywhere.
2 .Background of the Study
In Central Uganda, many small and medium businesses that offer products but rely on
physical shops. However, these businesses face a challenge because many customers cannot
always go to the shops, especially those who live far from the city Centre. According to
recent surveys, many people in cities like Kampala, Mukono prefer shopping online due to
busy schedules. For example, a small clothing shop in Kampala may have good products, but
customers who live in towns far from Kampala miss out on buying those clothes.
Research from Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) shows that the number of
internet users in Uganda has been steadily increasing, with mobile internet access growing
rapidly. In 2020,the number of internet users in Uganda increased by 5.5% to over 21 million
people, and mobile phone penetration is at about 75%.Many people in cities like Kampala are
already using mobile phones to shop online, making it a crucial channel for businesses to tap
into.
Furthermore, Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) shows that e-commerce is gradually
growing in Uganda, but it is still underuse by small and medium enterprises (SMEs).A report
by World Bank states that Uganda’s e-commerce market has significant untapped potential,
especially among rural and semi-urban populations. If businesses in Central Uganda start
utilizing e-commerce, they could reach more customers in areas where physical stores are not
e]89\8977777777777asily accessible.
By providing an e-commerce platform, businesses can reach a wider audience and serve
more customers efficiently. This platform can help solve problems like limited store hours
and physical location restrictions. Moreover, businesses can reduce costs related to rent and
overhead by shifting their sales online, which can be beneficial for Small and Medium
Enterprises in Central Uganda.
3. Problem Statement
Many businesses in Central Uganda are losing potential customers because they do not have
Online presence. In this region, the majority of customers use mobile phones, but businesses are
not taking advantage of online sales channels. This is a problem because customers who are
unable to visit physical shops are missing out on the products they need. For example, a small
clothing shop in Kampala may have good products, but customers who live in towns far from
Kampala miss out on buying those clothes. Therefore, there is a need for a platform that allows
businesses to sell their products online.
4. Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this study is to find a solution to the problem of businesses not having an online
sales platform. If this problem is not solved, businesses will continue to lose customers, and
people will find it harder to buy goods they need. The platform will help businesses reach a
larger market and improve the shopping experience for customers who are unable to visit
physical stores.
5. Objectives of the Study
Main objectives:
To develop an e-commerce platform that allows businesses in Central Uganda to sell their
products online.
Specific objectives:
1. To create a user friendly website that allows businesses to list their products.
2. To enable secure online payments for customers.
3. To ensure that businesses can manage their inventory and orders effectively.
4. To offer customer support for online shoppers.
5. To promote the platform to businesses and consumers in Central Uganda.
6. Research Questions
1. How can an online platform improve the business activities for small and medium businesses
in Central Uganda?
2. What challenges do businesses face in using an online platform, and how can those challenges
be solved?
3. What are the benefits of online shopping for consumers in Central Uganda?
7. Scope of the Study
Time scope:
The study covers a period starting from March 2025, when the proposal writing began, and is
expected to end around November 2025, after the system has fully been developed, tested and
completed.
Geographical Scope:
The study will focus on businesses located in Central Uganda, including districts like Kampala,
Wakiso, Mukono, and Masaka and among others.
Content Scope:
The study will cover a development of the e-commerce platform, its features, and how
businesses and consumers will benefit from using it.
Other Scopes:
1. Technical Scope:
The platform will be developed using technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and
secure payment systems.
2. Operational Scope:
The platform will be used by small and medium-sized businesses that want to sell products
online.
3. Legal Scope:
The platform will comply with Uganda’s businesses and data protection laws.
8. Significance of the Study
This study will benefit both businesses and consumers. Businesses will be able to expand their
customer base by reaching online shoppers, while customers will benefit from being able to shop
more conveniently. The platform will also help in reducing gap between urban and rural shoppers
by providing access to products online. Additionally; the study will contribute to the growing use
of e-commerce in Uganda, improving the country’s economy.
9. References
Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Report 2020.
Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS). National Information Technology Survey 2020.
World Bank (2020).Uganda’s E-commerce Potential: Bridging the Urban-Rural Gap.
Uganda’s Digital Transformation-International Monetary Fund (IMF).2021.
‘How Mobile Phones Are Changing Business in Africa’-The Guardian, 2019.