A new locally developed digital platform, Ugadeals, has entered Uganda’s online space with a bold promise: to pay content creators from the moment they join.
Originally built as an e-commerce marketplace, Ugadeals has officially expanded into a full social media network that allows users to earn money from posts, music and videos. The platform combines entertainment and commerce, offering access to live TV channels, movies, music, radio streams and news, while financially rewarding user participation.
Unlike major global platforms where monetisation is limited to creators with large followings, Ugadeals says it rewards creators based on engagement rather than popularity.
“At Ugadeals, everyone starts earning from day one,” the company states on its website, noting that registration is free and creators do not need thousands of followers to qualify for payouts.
How the Platform Pays Creators
Ugadeals operates a Points Rewards system, where users earn points through likes, views, comments and daily activity. Once a user accumulates enough points, earnings can be withdrawn directly via mobile money, making payouts accessible to a wide local audience.
The platform also targets musicians, offering a monetisation option in a market where many artists release music online without direct financial returns. Ugadeals allows artists to upload singles and albums and earn income based on listener engagement, positioning itself as a local alternative to global streaming platforms such as Spotify and YouTube.
Expanding Opportunities for Creators
The launch comes as Uganda’s digital creator economy continues to grow, even as many creators struggle to access income opportunities. While platforms like TikTok and YouTube offer monetisation, strict eligibility thresholds often exclude emerging creators.
By removing these barriers, Ugadeals aims to level the playing field and provide income opportunities for influencers, musicians and young digital entrepreneurs seeking alternatives to advertising deals and traditional streaming revenue.
Industry observers say the concept could attract significant interest, though its long-term success will depend on sustained user growth, transparent policies and consistent payments.
Balancing Promise and Caution
Digital experts have advised users to carefully review the platform’s terms and conditions, noting that new digital platforms can face operational challenges in their early stages. Nonetheless, the move toward paying creators is seen as a positive shift in a market where content creation is often unpaid.
A Homegrown Platform With Big Ambitions
As it gains traction, Ugadeals is positioning itself not just as a social network, but as a tool for digital empowerment, job creation and economic participation.
With more Ugandans building audiences online, the emergence of a pay-as-you-create platform marks a notable development in the country’s technology and entertainment landscape.
