HOST Every Uganda business faces the same question: Should we build a native mobile app or a Progressive Web App (PWA)? The answer depends on your budget, technical needs, and target audience.
In this guide, we'll compare both options specifically for the Ugandan market, considering data costs, smartphone penetration, and user behavior.
What is a Native Mobile App?
A native app is built specifically for iOS (Apple) or Android using platform-specific languages:
- iOS: Swift or Objective-C
- Android: Kotlin or Java
- Installed from App Store or Google Play
What is a Progressive Web App (PWA)?
A PWA is a website that behaves like an app:
- Built with HTML, CSS, JavaScript
- Works in web browsers
- Can be "installed" to home screen
- Works offline (limited functionality)
Cost Comparison for Uganda Businesses
Native Mobile App
- Development: UGX 10M - 50M+ (depends on complexity)
- Timeline: 3-6 months
- Platforms: Need separate iOS + Android versions
- Maintenance: UGX 1M - 3M/month
Progressive Web App
- Development: UGX 5M - 15M
- Timeline: 1-3 months
- Platforms: Works everywhere (one codebase)
- Maintenance: UGX 500K - 1.5M/month
Data Usage Concerns in Uganda
Data is expensive in Uganda. This matters:
Native Apps:
- Large download size (10MB - 100MB+)
- Updates consume data
- Better offline functionality
PWAs:
- No download required
- Uses data each visit (unless cached)
- Lightweight and fast
For Uganda: PWAs are better for users on limited data plans.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Native App If:
- You need camera, GPS, or phone features
- You're building a game or complex app
- You have a large budget (UGX 10M+)
- You need 100% offline functionality
Choose PWA If:
- You want to launch quickly (weeks not months)
- Budget is limited (under UGX 10M)
- You already have a website
- Your users are on limited data plans
Conclusion
For most Uganda businesses, a PWA is the best starting point—it's affordable, fast to build, and accessible to everyone. You can always upgrade to a native app later when your budget and user base grow.
Need Expert App Development?
Host Emperor builds both native apps and PWAs for Uganda businesses
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