Powering Uganda’s growth:Winko Technologies’ story.

As Uganda’s diversified economy experiences a surge in growth, industries such as agriculture, construction, forestry, landscaping, and manufacturing are increasingly demanding high-quality tools to boost productivity and efficiency.

It is against this backdrop that Winko Technologies Uganda Ltd emerged — a distributor of German-engineered power tools in the Ugandan market — with a goal to revolutionise the way businesses operate.

“In July 2023, Winko Technologies Uganda Ltd officially opened its doors as the sole Ugandan distributor for STIHL, Germany, bringing high-quality engineered solutions to Uganda’s forestry, landscaping, agriculture, construction, and private users,” says Mr Alex Olengo, Country Manager, Winko Technologies Ltd.

Product Portfolio and Market Reach

Mr Olengo explains that Winko offers a wide range of products categorised across forestry, landscaping, agriculture, construction, and private-use portfolios.

“All our machines are convenient, handheld, and driven by a clean engine. While some are electric, others are battery-powered. Therefore, Winko’s client base extends from small-scale farmers to corporate clients and high-end homeowners,” he shares.

A Heavy Investment Start

Winko Technologies was born out of opportunity, following a strategic shift by STIHL Germany from an importer distribution model to a subsidiary model.

Through its East African office in Nairobi, STIHL appointed Winko Technologies to represent the brand in Uganda — a decision that has already positioned the country as a key regional player, generating 80 percent of East Africa’s revenue.

Mr Olengo notes that starting a dealership for premium machinery is not for the faint-hearted.

“Winko pooled its initial capital — Shs180 million from personal savings and support from business friends and family. We later secured a partnership with Equity Bank to finance larger shipments. This was a trust-based model with a 30-day credit window that enabled us to bring in stock worth more than our initial capital and pay back,” he explains.

In its first year, Winko reported a turnover of Shs2.3 billion, an impressive milestone that enabled expansion into multiple sales points across Uganda.

Marketing for Growth

To sustain growth and expansion, Winko adopts both traditional and modern marketing strategies.

“From out-of-home advertising (billboards), television, radio, and print advertising, we also utilise social media, casual corporate walk-in advertising, brand giveaways, follow-up calls, and after-sales services to promote our products,” Mr Olengo says.

Additionally, the company maintains a strong presence at major agricultural expos, including the Harvest Money Expo and the Source of the Nile Agricultural Show, among others.

The Challenges

One of the biggest hurdles facing Winko Technologies is competition from counterfeit and contraband products, which are widely available in the Ugandan market.

“This, coupled with the fact that our products are relatively costly for individual farmers, makes it hard to attract new customers. For example, a machine priced at Shs3.4 million at Winko may have a lower-quality lookalike selling at Shs600,000. Many potential clients compromise on cost over quality,” Mr Olengo illustrates.

Despite this, he appreciates the role of banking institutions such as Equity Bank and the Bank of Uganda in providing credit facilities, while urging banks to further support the business community.

Looking to the Future

With a dedicated team of nine, Winko Technologies remains committed to growth and innovation.

“We have received training from STIHL, which has helped us stay sharp and deliver exceptional customer care,” Mr Olengo says.

The company also conducts internal customer care training, refresher courses once or twice a year, and is planning joint training sessions with colleagues from Tanzania and Kenya.

“We are looking to invite an external trainer to provide guidance on business activities,” he adds.

Although Winko has not yet received support from organisations such as the Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises, the company remains open to opportunities that can drive growth and innovation.

As Winko Technologies celebrates its second year of operation, it is poised for continued success. With a strong team, commitment to training, customer service, and quality, the company is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of Uganda’s industrial sector.