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Uhome is Making Personal Tech for Ugandans and its East African Neighbours

Jiakun Wang, Co-Founder Uhome Holdings talks to World Business Journal about how tax incentives help boost the company’s competitive edge and the MiOne-maker’s ambitious export targets.

Please tell us about Uhome and how it came into existence.

Uhome was established in 2021 as part of the Tian Tang Group’s expansion strategy into Uganda’s growing ICT and electronics market. The group has had a presence in Uganda for over 22 years across 27 industries, operating in smartphones, tablets, home appliances, and supply chain solutions. 

We have three stores at the moment and plan to open two more in Arua and Mbale by year-end. We’re also launching some franchise stores soon. 

We made a $100 million investment in our cutting-edge Mbale facility which employs around 500 people and manufactures up to 2,500 MiOne smartphones daily. 

In October, we’ll expand into smartwatches and tablets, emphasising our commitment to local tech manufacturing and adjusting production based on market demand.

What sets the MiOne brand apart in terms of its technological characteristics?

With a decade-long presence in the Middle East, MiOne has gained recognition for its feature phones and smartphones. In our feature phones, we prioritise an extended battery life, offering up to 14 days of usage on a single charge.

As for our smartphones, the key differentiators lie in our commitment to customisation, addressing the specific preferences of our local customers. These devices come pre-loaded with social media apps tailored to the market. Additionally, we’ve made substantial improvements in battery capacity and camera features to enhance overall quality.

Can you provide details regarding the origin of components used in your phone and smartphone production?

We fully assemble our phones and smartphones in Uganda and plan to start manufacturing plastic components by the end of this year. As part of our commitment to contributing to the ICT development of the country and the knowledge economy, we aim to localise software component manufacture within the next four to five years.

Could you provide details about the skills program in partnership with Makerere University, aimed at enhancing youth employability?

We have established a skills programme in collaboration with Makerere University to bolster the employability of young talent. We offer internships to students about to enter the job market. The programme lasts three months and typically accommodates 5-10 students per cycle. We assess their performance during this period and select the most suitable candidates based on their achievements and potential.

Where are the primary export destinations for Uhome products?

At present, our primary export destinations include neighbouring countries such as Congo and South Sudan. However, we have ambitious plans to further expand our export reach, with Kenya and Tanzania as our targets this year. We are currently in discussions with our clients to finalize these agreements. It’s worth noting that approximately 15 to 20 per cent of our production is dedicated to meeting export demands.

What advantages and challenges characterize the manufacturing sector in

Uganda?

In the manufacturing sector, we benefit from various advantages, including tax incentives that bolster our competitive edge. Additionally, regional export-oriented policies within the East African Community (EAC) provide us with a favourable environment. 

However, we face competition from companies that import ready-made phones and possess stronger brand recognition in the local market. We are actively working towards enhancing our brand visibility and aim to capture a 40 per cent market share in the next three to four years.

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