Festive season: Lucrative business ideas to tap into

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As the Christmas season approaches, the air is filled with excitement, celebrations, and increased investments for preparing for the economic boom season. This presents a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to tap into the festive market and make money, especially if they start preparing early.

New Vision spoke to various stakeholders in Uganda’s business community, including traders, industry experts, customers, and suppliers, who shared insights into the types of businesses one can invest in to cash in during the holidays.

Below are some of the most profitable ventures to consider:

Clothing business

The festive season comes with a surge in demand for both formal and casual wear. According to Edward Ntale, chairperson of the United Arcades Traders and Entrepreneurs Association (UATEA), city arcades and marketplaces experience increased foot traffic from customers buying clothes for various festive activities—ranging from weddings and church services to beach outings and parties.

Popular items include suits, dresses, t-shirts, jeans, sweatpants, shorts, and children’s wear. With the right stock and pricing, traders can expect high sales volumes during this period.

Footwear business

Hand in hand with attire is footwear—another essential fashion item people are eager to spend on during Christmas.

Moses Rwegaba, a footwear dealer and member of the Federation of Uganda Traders’ Association (FUTA), encourages entrepreneurs to consider venturing into this business. He notes that demand is high for different types of shoes, including party shoes, formal footwear, slippers for the warm weather, and boots for cooler nights.

Gift and christmas cards

Gift-giving is a key tradition during Christmas, and items such as greeting cards and gift cards remain popular. With some capital and a good marketing strategy, one can set up a small stall or outlet selling these items in high-traffic areas such as malls, arcades, and supermarkets.

A jewelry business like this ones can make money during the festive season. (Credit: Moses Kigongo)

Food and catering services

Food is central to every festive gathering. Innocent Kahigwa, a former chef at Serena Hotel who now runs a restaurant in Luweero, says that emotional buying and social celebrations make the food business especially profitable during Christmas.

Opportunities abound in catering for office parties, church events, and family gatherings. If well-planned, one can earn substantial income by offering well-prepared meals and timely service.

Bakery products

Complementing the food business is the bakery sector. Festive treats such as fruit cakes, cookies, pastries, and other baked snacks are in high demand.

A small investment in baking equipment and quality ingredients can yield good returns, especially if targeting corporate clients, schools, churches, and individuals looking for customised treats.

A good bakery business like this one can make money during the festive season. (Credit: Moses Kigongo)

Gourmet hampers and sweets

Gift hampers filled with chocolates, cheese, biscuits, and sweets are increasingly popular in urban centres. These can be packaged and branded attractively and sold as ready-made gifts for loved ones, children, and corporate clients.

Beverages business

From soft drinks to alcoholic beverages, the demand for drinks peaks during Christmas. Sam Muyomba, spokesperson of the Kikuubo Business Community (KBC), says beverages are a staple at all types of gatherings, whether at home, bars, restaurants or events.

Entrepreneurs can stock both alcoholic (such as wine, beer, and spirits) and non-alcoholic drinks (juices, sodas, bottled water), depending on their capital and target market.

Poultry and meat sales

Poultry, especially chicken, is a must-have on many Ugandan tables during Christmas.

Hajji Musa Ssenabulya, chairperson of the Kampala Butcher Traders’ Association, notes that demand for poultry meat, particularly live or freshly slaughtered birds’ skyrockets during the festive season. Prices often double due to the preference for fresh, locally raised birds.

He advises farmers to plan ahead and raise birds that mature by November and December to take advantage of the season.

Likewise, beef, goat meat, and mutton are also in high demand, as meat is central to most festive meals in Uganda. Investing in livestock trading or butchery operations during this period can be very lucrative.

Other profitable ventures

Besides the above, other business ideas to consider include: Jewelry and Accessories which are often bought as gifts or for personal grooming during festivities.

Spices and condiments also enhance holiday meals and are purchased in larger quantities during the festive season.

Entertainment Services, including sound systems, DJs, and children’s entertainment are equally profitable during festivities.

Decor and Event Setup, particularly for churches, homes, and corporate parties would also be ideal for a person planning to make money during the festive season.

With good planning, creativity, and customer service, the festive season can be a great time to start or scale a small business. Whether it’s fashion, food, or festivities, the opportunities are many for those willing to take the leap.