In Uganda, technological platforms have quietly transformed the way Ugandans shop, snack, celebrate, and even solve last-minute emergencies. What was once just an app for lunch has become a gateway to an entire universe of possibilities.
Leading this charge is Glovo, a technological platform connecting customers, businesses, and riders. While best known for offering on-demand services—from local restaurants and grocers to supermarkets and high-street retail stores—the app offers much more than meets the eye. Beyond the expected rolex and soda lie some truly surprising, delightful, and quirky things you can order with just a few taps.
Below are 10 unexpected items that prove the platform gives you access to anything in your city.
- Nsenene (Seasonal Delicacies)
Forget the high-end dining misconception! Glovo lets you tap into local, seasonal street food experiences. When the season is right, you can order freshly fried Nsenene—the beloved Ugandan grasshoppers—right to your doorstep. It’s the perfect solution for when you want a quick fix of a local delicacy without driving through Kampala traffic.
- Small Electronics & Tech Essentials
Gone are the days when you had to rush to town because your charger broke. The app now hosts major electronics vendors, allowing you to order everything from replacement cables and wireless earbuds to power banks. Whether you need a quick charge or just lost your headphones, the “Tech” category has you sorted.
- Fresh Flowers & Instant Gifting
If you forgot an anniversary, need to apologize, or want to send a quick “congratulations,” Glovo isn’t just for food; it is also a mobile florist. You can order fresh bouquets, premium chocolates, and gift hampers from partners, making it the ultimate hack for last-minute thoughtful gestures.
- Hardware Tools & Accessories
Do you have a flat tire, loose bolts, or need a screwdriver at 9:00 p.m.? Glovo’s partnerships with local suppliers mean you can order tools on demand. From pliers and duct tape to drilling bits and home repair essentials, DIY emergencies are officially solvable from your sofa.
- Small Kitchen Appliances (e.g., Air Fryers)
Sometimes, you need a new gadget to elevate your kitchen game. You can now order small appliances like air fryers, blenders, or toasters through the app. It turns upgrading your kitchen into an impulse decision rather than a planned shopping trip.
- Gym & Sports Supplements
For the health-conscious and fitness fanatics, the app is a lifesaver. You can order essential items like Creatine powder and many other sports supplements. Restock your gym bag without interrupting your workout schedule.
- The Retail Giants (Carrefour, Quality Supermarket & More)
You probably knew you could get groceries, but did you know you have full access to major retailers? You can shop virtually from leading supermarkets like Carrefour and Quality Supermarket. This includes their exclusive private brand products, delivered at the same prices you would find on the shelf.
- Authentic “Kafunda” Food (Affordable Eats)
You can now order authentic, wallet-friendly local meals—think Matooke and Groundnut Sauce, or Posho and Beans—at prices that rival walking to the local joint yourself. It is the perfect solution for when you want a hearty, local meal without the restaurant price tag.
- Pet Supplies (The Heavy Lifting)
Anyone who owns a dog knows the struggle of hauling a 10kg bag of food from the supermarket. Glovo has quietly become a favorite for pet owners by doing the heavy lifting for you. From bulk dog food and cat litter to chew toys and accessories, you can restock your pet’s needs without breaking a sweat.
- Pharmacy & Wellness Essentials (Including Self-Tests)
Perhaps the most critical “surprise” is the ability to handle health emergencies. Through partnerships with trusted chemists, you can order over-the-counter essentials, painkillers, vitamins, and first-aid kits delivered to your door. This includes sensitive items like an HIV Self-Test, providing discretion and rapid convenience when you are home sick and cannot drive to the chemist.
There is no doubt that Glovo has evolved into a marketplace that mirrors Uganda’s energetic spirit: unpredictable, diverse, and endlessly innovative. Whether you are upgrading your phone, stocking up on supplements, or sending a surprise bouquet, Glovo proves that convenience is no longer a luxury; it is a standard
