Ai-CHA Uganda Opens First Kampala Outlet at Ham Shopping Grounds

Kampala — Global ice cream and tea brand Ai-CHA Uganda has officially opened its first outlet in Kampala, setting up shop at Ham Shopping Grounds (Ham Towers), Wandegeya, in a grand launch marked by dancers, giveaways, discounts and a festive Valentine’s Day celebration.

The Saturday launch coincided with Valentine’s Day celebrations, with the brand promoting its opening as a love-themed experience. “Happy Valentine’s Day. Ai-Love You Forever. Come and celebrate love today on our Grand opening at Ai-CHA Ham Towers, Wandegeya,” Ai-CHA Uganda stated.

Brand Expands Into Uganda Market

Ai-CHA is a fast-growing global franchise known for its ice cream and iced tea products. The brand announced its entry into Uganda in October 2025, noting it operates more than 2,000 stores worldwide.

Speaking at the opening, Marjorie Mugala Manjeri, the Business Development Executive at Ai-CHA Uganda, said the company is introducing flavours that are new to the Ugandan market.

“Ai-CHA Uganda is a brand that specialises in making ice cream and iced teas in a variety of flavours. We have different flavours ranging from sea salt to vanilla ice cream,” Mugala said. “We also have innovative flavours on the market that have not been common in Uganda. For example, we have lemonade and sugar pearl teas,” she added.

Mugala explained that the brand originated from Indonesia and is headquartered in Malaysia. “Aicha is a brand that originated from Indonesia, but our headquarters are in Malaysia. Over the years, the brand has grown globally and is now present in over 31 countries worldwide,” she said.

Why Wandegeya Was Chosen

According to Mugala, Ham Towers was selected as the first location because of its proximity to key institutions, especially Makerere University.

“We picked Ham Towers for our first shop because it is close to Makerere University. Makerere University is just opposite the main gate, so we hope to tap into the population of the university,” she said.

She added that the outlet is also targeting surrounding institutions and the general public. “Our market is not only the corporate market. We want all the children, the women, the young generation, those who would love to move to something trendy,” Mugala noted.

Affordable Prices and Customised Orders

Ai-CHA Uganda says its products are priced to remain affordable for a wide range of customers. “Our prices are very affordable, ranging from UGX 3,000 to UGX 8,000,” Mugala said.

The menu includes several items such as Ai-Scream Sea Salt and Ai-Scream Vanilla cones at UGX 3,000, while premium items such as Sund-Ai Strawberry and Sund-Ai Boba retail at UGX 8,000.

Customers can also choose drinks like Ai-Squash Lemonade and Ai-CHA Lemon Earl Grey at UGX 5,000, while the Ai-CHA Succulent Grapes goes for UGX 6,000.

The company also offers customer preferences such as adjustable sugar levels (0% to normal), ice levels, and add-ons including pearls and extra ice cream toppings.

Jobs Created and Franchise Expansion Plans

Mugala said the opening outlet has already created employment opportunities. “At the first outlet, so far we’ve created five jobs,” she said.

She also revealed that the company plans rapid expansion, targeting at least 50 outlets in Kampala alone.

“In Kampala, our target is to have at least 50 outlets. We still have slots available for those who are interested in having franchise businesses in Uganda,” Mugala said.

She added that the company is also looking beyond Kampala. “We also welcome people who would love to open up in different cities in Uganda such as Mbarara, Gulu and Mbale. We are expanding across Uganda,” she said.

Marketing Team Highlights Best Sellers

Ai-CHA Uganda Marketing Executive Saleh Ssenyonjo said feedback from customers has been encouraging, especially on lemon-based products. “From the feedback we have received so far, many people have really loved the lemon products — especially the Aicha lemonade,” Ssenyonjo said.

However, he noted that the brand’s biggest sellers globally remain its ice cream flavours. “Across the different countries where Aicha operates, our best sellers are mainly our ice creams, particularly flavours like sea salt and vanilla,” he said.

Ssenyonjo said other drinks such as grape and boba pearl tea are also expected to become popular in Uganda. “We also have grape drinks, which are non-alcoholic but still give you that refreshing and enjoyable feeling. For people who love chocolate, we have boba pearls,” he said.

Franchise Offer and Upcoming Stores

Ai-CHA Uganda is operating on a franchise model and is calling on Ugandans to invest in new outlets, offering incentives for early franchise owners.

“For our first 50 outlets in Uganda, we exempted them from the management fee and the training fee,” Mugala said. “Our franchise fee in Uganda is UGX 72 million, VAT inclusive. That covers the equipment, management fee, security and the training fee,” she added.

Mugala revealed that new outlets are already in the pipeline, including a second store in Kansanga and a third in Kabalagala.

“Our second store is launching soon in Kansanga Trading Centre, just opposite Elite Mall,” she said. “Our third store will also be launching soon in Kabalagala. So we are growing — we are growing,” Mugala added.