Andrew Kasi , the founder of 256 Genuine Gadgets Kampala, is building his business around product authenticity, customer education and transparency in Uganda’s competitive electronics market.
The 31-year-old entrepreneur, who operates at Pioneer Mall in Kampala, says his approach combines technical knowledge with a commitment to helping customers make informed decisions when purchasing electronic devices.
His business focuses on supplying used electronics, including devices sourced from the United Kingdom, while emphasising product inspection, technical guidance and after-sales support.
Kasi’s interest in technology developed while growing up in Naguru, Kampala, where he says he became aware of the importance of access to reliable products and information. He later pursued a diploma in electrical engineering, gaining technical knowledge that informs his approach to assessing electronic devices.
He subsequently travelled to the United Arab Emirates, where he gained exposure to international electronics markets and customer service practices. The experience influenced his decision to establish a business in Uganda that prioritises transparency and customer confidence.
“I did it myself,” Kasi says of the early stages of building his business, describing a journey that began with a small retail operation at Pioneer Mall.
Using technology to educate consumers
Andrew says one of the challenges facing electronics buyers is distinguishing genuine products from counterfeit, refurbished or improperly repaired devices.
Through 256 Genuine Gadgets Kampala, he seeks to address these concerns by inspecting products before sale and providing customers with information about their condition and performance.
The checks, according to the business, include examining physical condition, battery performance, hardware functionality and software integrity. The company also offers technical advice and repair services to support customers after purchase.
For buyers operating within limited budgets, used electronics can provide a more affordable alternative to new devices. However, understanding a product’s history, condition and limitations remains important when assessing value for money.
Kasi has also turned to social media to educate potential customers and increase the visibility of his business. His TikTok account reportedly has more than 105,000 followers and 1.1 million likes, providing a platform for product demonstrations, technical information and consumer awareness.
He uses the platform to encourage buyers to verify sellers and exercise caution when making purchases online, particularly where impersonation and fraudulent transactions are concerns.
Kasi says some individuals have used his business identity to mislead customers, prompting him to make his personal identity and official business presence more recognisable to consumers.
His experience highlights a broader challenge for businesses that rely on social media to reach customers: distinguishing legitimate sellers from accounts that imitate established brands.
Beyond product sales, Kasi says he wants customers to understand the technology they purchase and select devices that match their needs and budgets.
Reliable smartphones and computers are increasingly important for education, communication and business, making product quality and affordability significant considerations for consumers.
For students, entrepreneurs and small businesses, a dependable device can support research, digital payments, communication and access to online markets.
Kasi’s business model seeks to combine affordability with product checks and customer support, although buyers are still encouraged to confirm warranty terms, device specifications and the condition of individual products before purchasing.
His emphasis on transparency also reflects the importance of after-sales service in building customer relationships, particularly in a market where buyers may have concerns about product reliability and access to repairs.
Looking ahead
Kasi says he intends to expand the business and use digital platforms to provide more technical education to consumers. He is also exploring opportunities to broaden the company’s physical presence and support other entrepreneurs interested in building customer-focused businesses.
His experience illustrates how technical knowledge, digital communication and customer service can help a small enterprise distinguish itself in a competitive retail environment.
For 256 Genuine Gadgets Kampala, the challenge will be to sustain those standards as the business grows, while maintaining clear product descriptions, consistent quality checks and reliable customer support.
As Uganda’s electronics market continues to evolve, businesses that help consumers make informed purchasing decisions have an opportunity to build lasting relationships through transparency and accountability.