Kampala is the national and commercial capital of Uganda, located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake. In 2015, the metropolitan area of Kampala generated an estimated nominal GDP of $13.8 billion (in constant 2011 US dollars), which accounted for more than half of Uganda's GDP that year. This highlights the importance of Kampala to the economy of Uganda.

In the heart of Kampala, one can find a diverse mix of business owners from various nationalities, including Chinese, Indians, and locals. This diversity promotes a thriving business ecosystem, as different groups trade and supply each other. The city is home to a variety of shops, selling a range of products such as ready-to-wear clothing, apparel, shoes, gadgets, computers, linens, and other supplies.

The foot traffic and liquidity in downtown Kampala are high, with mobile money allowing businesses to deposit their earnings directly into their accounts, reducing the risk of robbery and ensuring that revenue is secure.

Downtown is where many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are located. As trading activity picked up and restrictions began to ease after the COVID-19 pandemic, neighboring countries such as Ghana, Congo, and Kenya came to Kampala to purchase supplies. This presents a significant opportunity for local traders, although some foreign-owned businesses, such as those owned by Chinese and Indian nationals, may have an advantage due to their better supply chains.

Monetix is a digital platform that enables local traders to apply for funding quickly and easily, helping them to build up inventories, pay their workforce, and transport goods. Supporting local African traders in Kampala is beneficial for the whole of Uganda.