Frequently Asked Questions
Most-asked questions about KampalaSnap, in one place. Closed-test crew members — start with the first section.
Closed Testing & Beta
If you're one of our founding testers, start here.
I'm a closed tester — what should I do first?
Install the app via the link you received, open it, and use it like you would any other app. Use it as a buyer (browse, find something you'd buy, walk it to checkout); if you're in our verified-seller or creator cohort, you'll get specific missions via DM. Drop honest feedback in the form whenever something hits — even one line helps.
How do I install the test build?
Tap the link in your welcome email (it works on both Android phones and laptops). On the Play Store page, tap Become a tester → Download. The whole thing takes about 2 minutes. If the link gives you a "not available" message, your Gmail isn't in the tester list yet — DM the founder.
Why is the app saying "not available in your country"?
Almost always because your Gmail isn't on the tester list yet. The opt-in link only works for emails added to our Google Group. DM the founder with the Gmail you have signed into Play Store and we'll add you — it usually starts working within 5 minutes after that.
What if the app crashes?
Open the feedback form, pick Something is broken, describe what you were doing right before it crashed, and attach a screen recording if you can. Include your device model + Android version — the form has fields for both. Crashes get fixed faster than any other kind of report.
How do I send feedback?
Use the feedback form link in your welcome email. Most feedback (bugs, UX friction, ideas, praise) goes there. For anything sensitive (payment, account, security), email support@kampalasnap.com directly. For urgent issues during the test, DM the founder.
Will my data carry over to the public launch?
Yes — everything you do during closed testing carries over. Your account, your reviews, your follows, your founding-tester badge will all be there at public launch. The badge stays in your profile for 12 months after the test wraps.
What's the Founding Tester badge?
A gold pill in your in-app profile, visible to anyone who visits you, awarded to closed-test crew members who submitted at least one feedback form. It auto-expires 12 months after grant. Top contributors also get named in the launch release notes.
Is there a deadline for sending feedback?
The closed testing window is 14 days. After that the wrap message goes out and the badge grants happen. You can still send feedback after, of course — just use support@kampalasnap.com — but the structured form-based reporting is for the 14-day window.
Can I tell my friends about the app during testing?
Yes! But for them to install, they need to be added to the tester list first — and the tester list has limited slots. Share the founder's contact and they can ask to join. After public launch, you can share the app freely with anyone.
How do I leave the closed test crew?
Just uninstall the app. You don't need to formally opt out. If you want to be removed from the tester Gmail list too (to free a slot for someone else), DM the founder.
About KampalaSnap
What this app is, who runs it, where it operates.
What is KampalaSnap?
KampalaSnap is a video-first marketplace for Uganda. Sellers and service providers show their products and work through short videos; buyers scroll a feed, find things they like, and purchase through an escrow system that protects both sides. Creators in our affiliate program promote products from many shops and earn commission on sales.
Who runs KampalaSnap?
KampalaSnap is operated by Hobermalo Ventures, a Ugandan business. We're a small team focused on building a marketplace that actually fits how Ugandans shop — video-first, WhatsApp-friendly, with real escrow protection.
Where does KampalaSnap operate?
Primarily Uganda. Our payment partner (Pesapal) is licensed by the Bank of Uganda and supports MTN MoMo, Airtel Money, and Visa / Mastercard. Most sellers ship within Kampala and the greater region; some ship nationwide via bus park delivery.
Is the app free to use?
Yes — completely free for buyers. You only pay for items you choose to buy. Sellers and service providers pay a monthly subscription if they verify (optional). Creators are free; we make money on a small platform fee on each completed sale.
What can I do as a buyer?
Browse a video feed, follow shops and creators you like, save products, add to cart, check out, leave reviews, and report content that breaks our rules. Read How to make your first purchase for the full walk-through.
What if I want to sell on KampalaSnap?
Open a shop (physical products), a service profile (your time and skills), or both. Both start free; you only pay if you decide to verify, which unlocks premium placement, the contact CTA (for services), the affiliate program (for shops), and more. Start with Selling on KampalaSnap or Selling services.
What's a creator on KampalaSnap?
Creators make videos that feature products from other people's shops. When buyers tap a tagged product and buy, the creator earns commission. No inventory, no shipping — just content. Approval is admin-reviewed; read Being a creator for details.
When was KampalaSnap launched?
Public launch happens shortly after our closed-test window wraps. The codebase and platform have been in development through 2025-2026; we're prioritising a polished launch over a rushed one.
What languages does the app support?
The interface is in English. Sellers and creators are welcome to write product descriptions, bios, and captions in any language — many use a mix of English and Luganda. WhatsApp chats between buyers and sellers happen in whatever language suits you.
Is KampalaSnap on iPhone?
Android-only for now. iPhone is on the roadmap but not live yet. Public Android launch happens first; iOS follows in a future release.
Where can I download the app?
On Google Play once we're publicly launched. During closed testing, only invited testers can install via the opt-in link they received. The web version of the marketplace is also in the works — for now, the Android app is where the action is.
Do I need internet to use the app?
Yes — KampalaSnap is a connected marketplace, so browsing, buying, messaging, and uploading all need internet. The app works on Wi-Fi, 4G, and 3G. On slower connections, videos may take a moment to load.
Can I use the app outside Uganda?
You can install and browse from anywhere, but most sellers ship only within Uganda. Some ship internationally on request — message them on WhatsApp. Mobile Money payment options are also Uganda-specific; international users would need to pay via card.
Account & Security
Signing up, signing in, protecting your data.
How do I sign up?
Three options: phone + password, sign in with Google, or sign in with Apple. Phone signup sends you a verification code via WhatsApp (or SMS if your number isn't on WhatsApp). Read How to sign up for the step-by-step.
Why do you need my phone number?
Three reasons: sending you Delivery PINs when you buy something, letting sellers message you on WhatsApp about orders, and account recovery if you forget your password. We encrypt your phone number at rest — even our staff can't see it without an active reason.
What if I don't have WhatsApp on my phone?
Buyers can still sign up — verification codes fall back to SMS. But you can't open a shop or service without WhatsApp, because the buyer-to-seller chat uses WhatsApp. If you need to sell, install WhatsApp on your SIM first.
I forgot my password — what now?
Tap Forgot password? on the sign-in screen, enter your username, type the code we send to your phone, and pick a new password. If you've also lost access to your phone number, email support@kampalasnap.com with your account details.
Can I sign up with Google or Apple?
Yes — tap Sign in with Google or Sign in with Apple on the sign-in screen. You won't need a password. You can add a phone number later (required if you ever want to buy or sell).
How do I change my password?
Open the app → Account → Security → Change password. You'll need to type your current password before setting a new one. Pick something at least 8 characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
How do I change my phone number?
Account → Security → Change phone number. We send a verification code to BOTH the new number AND the old number — you need to enter both. This protects against account takeover. If you've lost access to the old number, email support@kampalasnap.com.
Can I have multiple accounts?
Each account needs a unique phone number. You can run multiple accounts if you have multiple numbers, but you can't use them to fake reviews, dodge blocks, or game the system — that gets all related accounts suspended.
How do I delete my account?
In the app: Account → Settings → Delete account. On the web (no app needed): visit kampalasnap.com/account-deletion. Deletion is reversible for 30 days, then permanent. Read Account security for what gets kept.
What happens to my data after I delete my account?
Right away: your profile, follows, likes, comments, and reviews become invisible. After 30 days: your encrypted PII (phone, email, addresses) is permanently scrubbed. Financial records (orders, refunds) stay anonymised for legal compliance. Read the full Privacy Policy.
Can I recover a deleted account within 30 days?
Yes — sign in one more time with your old credentials and tap Undo deletion. After 30 days the data is permanently gone and there's no restore.
How safe is my data?
We encrypt sensitive data at rest (phone, email, addresses) so even our internal database doesn't show them in plaintext. Passwords are hashed (Argon2). We don't sell your data to advertisers. Read the Privacy Policy for the full picture.
What data does KampalaSnap collect?
Your username, phone, password hash, addresses you save, orders you place, things you like and follow, and basic device info for delivery and notifications. We do NOT collect your contact list, your photos (unless you attach one to a dispute), or your location in the background.
Do you sell my data?
No. We don't sell your data to advertisers, data brokers, or anyone. The people who see your data are KampalaSnap staff (for support and disputes), sellers (only what they need for orders you placed with them), and Pesapal (for payments). That's it.
Is there two-factor authentication?
Not for regular login today — your phone-based password reset is effectively a 2FA. For sensitive flows (changing your payout method, large withdrawals), we do send a verification code to your phone. Full account 2FA is on the roadmap.
Buying & Orders
How purchasing works, the Delivery PIN, what to do when something goes wrong.
How do I buy something?
Find a product (scrolling the feed, searching, browsing a shop), tap Buy now or Add to cart, pick a delivery option, and pay through Pesapal (MoMo, Airtel Money, or card). Read How to make your first purchase for the step-by-step walkthrough.
What's the Delivery PIN?
A 4-digit code we send you when you pay. You give it to the seller (or enter it in the app yourself) ONLY after you've received your item and you're happy with it. The PIN is what releases your money from escrow to the seller — it protects you.
When should I give the seller the PIN?
Only when the item is in your hands, it's what you ordered, and you're happy with it. If any of those isn't true, do NOT give the PIN — open a dispute instead. The PIN is the buyer's protection; don't give it away early.
What if the seller asks for the PIN before delivery?
Don't give it. A seller asking for the PIN before you have the item is trying to get paid without delivering — that's exactly what the system prevents. Tell them you'll give it when you receive the item. If they keep pushing, report them.
What payment methods can I use?
MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money, Visa, Mastercard. All payments go through Pesapal (our licensed payment partner). KampalaSnap never sees your PIN or card details — Pesapal handles everything.
Are there any hidden fees?
No. The price you see at checkout is what you pay. There's an item price, the delivery fee (if any), and that's it. No subscription, no service charge, no surprises.
How long does delivery take?
Depends on the seller and where you are. Kampala deliveries are usually 1-2 days; nationwide via bus park can take 3-5 days. Each seller shows their delivery time estimate before you check out.
Can I track my order?
You can see the order status (Paid → Dispatched → Delivered) in Account → My Orders. For specific rider tracking, message the seller on WhatsApp — they coordinate the rider directly.
What if my order is taking too long?
First, message the seller on WhatsApp — most delays have simple explanations. If they don't respond or the delay is unreasonable (over a week without movement), open a dispute. Read Disputes & refunds.
What if my item arrives damaged or wrong?
Do NOT give the Delivery PIN. Take photos of the item as it arrived. Open the order in the app, tap Open a dispute, attach the photos, and explain what's wrong. The seller has 48 hours to respond; if you can't agree, admin steps in.
How do refunds work?
When a dispute is resolved in your favour (or you cancel before shipping), the money flows back the same way you paid — MoMo refunds in ~24 hours, card refunds in 3-5 days. You don't need to do anything; the system handles it automatically.
Can I cancel an order?
Yes, as long as the seller hasn't dispatched it yet. Open the order → Cancel order. You get a full refund automatically. After dispatch, you can't cancel — but you can still open a dispute if the item is wrong when it arrives.
How do I find good sellers?
Look for the verified ✓ badge (shows the seller has paid for verification), check their review count and average rating, and skim recent reviews. A shop with hundreds of reviews and a 4+ star average is much safer than a brand-new account.
What does the verified badge mean?
It means the seller paid for the verified-seller subscription. They've passed a basic standing check and committed financially to staying on the platform. It doesn't guarantee every product is perfect, but it's a strong starting signal of legitimacy.
Can I message a seller before buying?
Yes — tap the WhatsApp button on their shop or product page. The chat happens on WhatsApp directly. Useful for asking about sizes, colours, custom orders, or shipping to your area.
Can I save items to buy later?
Yes — tap the heart icon on any product to save it to your wishlist. View saved items in Account → Saved. Saving doesn't put the item in your cart; it just bookmarks it.
Cart & Checkout
Buying from multiple shops, the cart's self-healing, guest checkout.
Can I buy from multiple shops in one order?
You can have items from many shops in one cart. At checkout, we automatically split into one order per shop — each gets its own Delivery PIN, delivery fee, and timeline. You pay once for everything. Read How the cart works.
Why is my cart split by shop at checkout?
Because each shop fulfils their part independently. They use different riders, have different delivery fees, and need their own Delivery PIN. Splitting keeps each seller's responsibility clear.
What happens if a price changes while my item is in the cart?
The cart updates to the new price automatically with a small "Price updated" notice. You can remove the item if you don't like the new price. We never charge more than what's shown on the final checkout screen.
What if an item goes out of stock while in my cart?
It's marked out of stock and skipped at checkout. Other items in your cart proceed normally. You don't lose the rest of your order because one item became unavailable.
Can I check out as a guest without signing in?
You can browse and add to cart without signing in, but the actual checkout requires an account so we can send you the Delivery PIN and let you open disputes if needed. Sign-up takes 2 minutes.
Will my cart save if I close the app?
Yes — if you're signed in, your cart is saved on our servers and survives device changes. If you're browsing as a guest (not signed in), the cart only lasts about a day before clearing.
I added items as a guest and then signed up — what happens?
Your guest cart automatically merges with your account cart on sign-in. If you already had any of the same items, quantities are combined. Nothing is lost.
Can I save part of my cart for later?
Tap the heart icon on a product (from inside the cart or the product page) to move it to your saved list. It comes out of the cart but stays accessible for one-tap re-adding later.
Delivery
Delivery modes, fees, what to do when something goes wrong with the rider.
What delivery options are available?
Three: Prepaid (pay for item + delivery upfront, seller arranges rider), COD / cash on delivery (pay item in escrow, rider in cash on arrival), and Pickup (collect from a seller's location). The seller chooses what they offer; you pick at checkout.
Who pays the rider?
For Prepaid: the seller pays the rider from the delivery fee you paid in escrow. You don't pay the rider directly. For COD: you pay the rider in cash on arrival. For Pickup: no rider involved.
What if the rider doesn't show up?
Message the seller on WhatsApp first — they'll know what happened. If the seller can't fix it, open a dispute. The escrow protects you: if no item ever arrives, you get your money back.
What areas do you deliver to?
Most sellers cover Kampala and the greater region (Wakiso, Mukono). Some ship to other districts via bus park delivery. Each seller's available areas show up at checkout based on the address you enter.
Can I change my delivery address after ordering?
Only before the seller dispatches. Message the seller on WhatsApp immediately. If they haven't shipped yet, they can update the address. Once dispatched, the rider is already heading to the original address.
Why are some products pickup-only?
Sellers choose this for items that are bulky, fragile, or where they prefer the buyer to inspect before transacting. Pickup is also cheaper for the buyer — no delivery fee.
Do you deliver outside Kampala?
Many sellers deliver within Greater Kampala (Wakiso, Mukono, Entebbe) for an additional fee. Some offer nationwide via bus park drop-off — buyer collects at the bus station. Each product's available zones show at checkout.
Can I have items delivered to someone else?
Yes — at checkout, enter the recipient's name and phone number, and the address where they should receive it. The recipient will get the Delivery PIN on their phone. Useful for gifts.
What if my delivery is damaged?
Photograph everything (the parcel, the damage, ideally the rider too), refuse the PIN, and open a dispute with the photos attached. Damaged-in-transit cases almost always resolve in the buyer's favour with clear photos.
Disputes & Refunds
When something goes wrong — how to open a case and what happens next.
When can I open a dispute?
Anytime from when you pay until 48 hours after the order is marked Completed (or up to 168 hours / 7 days for sellers in the Slow penalty tier). After that window, the money is fully released to the seller. Read Disputes & refunds.
How long does a dispute take?
The seller has 48 hours to respond. If you agree on a resolution, it's instant. If you can't agree, admin reviews in 2-3 business days. So most cases wrap up in 3-5 days; messy ones can take a week.
What evidence should I include in a dispute?
Photos or videos of the item as it arrived. Screenshots of any relevant WhatsApp chats with the seller. The clearer your evidence, the faster admin can decide. "It arrived damaged, here are 5 photos" wins over "it's broken" any day.
Can I cancel a dispute if I change my mind?
Yes — open the dispute thread and reply that you'd like to withdraw it. The order resumes normal flow and the seller is paid as usual. Useful when the seller has fixed the problem off-platform.
What if the admin decides against me?
You can reply with NEW evidence (something you didn't include the first time) and ask for re-review. Without new evidence, the decision stands. Decisions are based on what's in the thread — make sure your side is fully there.
How long do refunds take to reach me?
MoMo refunds usually arrive within 24 hours of the decision. Card refunds (Visa / Mastercard) take 3-5 business days depending on your bank. Pesapal handles the actual transfer.
Can the seller refund me directly without going through KampalaSnap?
Strongly discouraged — and against our policy. If a seller offers to refund you on MoMo directly, ask them to use the platform instead. Off-platform refunds leave the order showing as still Disputed in our system, which can cause problems for both sides.
What if a seller threatens me about a dispute?
Take screenshots, open or update the dispute with those screenshots attached, and report the seller. Threats or harassment in a dispute context lead to strikes and can suspend the seller's account.
Selling Basics
Opening a shop, what's free, what verification unlocks.
How do I open a shop?
In the app: Account → Become a seller → Open a shop. You pick a shop name, verify your phone, and the shop is created. Takes about 10 minutes. Read Opening your shop for the step-by-step.
Is it free to open a shop?
Yes. Opening the shop is free, uploading products is free, uploading videos is free. You only pay if you decide to verify your shop (monthly subscription) — and verification is optional.
What's the platform fee on sales?
Currently around 5% of the item price, taken at the moment of payment (before the money lands in your wallet). You see the exact net amount before any withdrawal. Delivery fees you set are passed through fully to you (you pay the rider).
What can I sell on KampalaSnap?
Most physical products and most services. Clothing, food, electronics, cosmetics, home goods, vehicle parts, services (cleaning, repairs, photography, etc.) — all welcome. Anything you'd see in a normal marketplace.
What can't I sell?
Weapons, drugs, counterfeits, live animals, items requiring licenses (alcohol, firearms), stolen goods, anything illegal in Uganda. Read the Community Guidelines for the full list.
How do I add products?
Seller Hub → Products → + Add product. Fill in photos, name, description, price, stock, category. Tap Publish. The product goes live immediately — no admin review for basic shop products. Read Adding your first product.
How do I upload videos?
Seller Hub → Videos → + → pick or record a clip. Add a caption, tag a product if relevant, and upload. Vertical orientation, 15-60 seconds is the sweet spot. Read Recording and uploading your first video.
What happens when someone buys?
You get a push notification. The money is held in escrow. You have 48 hours to dispatch. After delivery, the buyer enters the Delivery PIN, money releases to you after a short dispute window. Read When orders come in.
Do I need verification to sell?
No. You can sell as an unverified seller indefinitely. Verification unlocks extras (affiliate program, withdrawals, the verified badge, premium catalog placement). Many shops verify in their second or third month, not their first day.
What if I want to stop selling?
You can pause your shop for up to 30 days (holiday mode), take down all products without closing, or close the shop entirely. Closing is reversible — you can reopen later. Your buyer account is unaffected.
Verified Selling
What verification costs, what it unlocks, how withdrawals work.
What does verification cost?
A monthly subscription set on our Pricing Hub — currently in the range of 15,000-30,000 UGX/month depending on tier. You can see the exact current rate in the app at Edit → Verification before subscribing.
What does verification unlock for sellers?
The verified ✓ badge, the affiliate program (creators can promote your products), self-listed catalog products with prominent placement, more prominent video tags, withdrawals to MoMo / bank, higher video upload caps. Read The path to verification.
How do I verify my shop?
Seller Hub → Edit → Verification → Subscribe → pick payment method → Pay. Status flips to active within minutes. No admin review for shops in good standing.
How long does verification last?
One month per payment. If auto-renew is on, we charge automatically on the same calendar day each month. If it's off, your status expires at month-end and you can re-subscribe at any time.
What if my verification payment fails?
Your status goes to past_due. Days 1-7, the badge still shows but as "expired" — re-pay any time to restore. Days 8-30, the badge disappears. After 30 days, you're fully unverified. Affiliate listings get a 30-day grace lock for creators promoting them.
How do withdrawals work?
Verified sellers can request withdrawals on Tuesdays and Fridays only (in UG time). Money goes to MoMo (MTN or Airtel) or bank within 24 hours. Minimum is 50,000 UGX. Read Wallet and payouts.
Why are withdrawals only on Tuesdays and Fridays?
Two reasons: it guarantees buyers always have their full dispute window before money leaves the platform, and it lets us batch payouts efficiently through Pesapal at lower fees (which we don't pass on to you).
What's a penalty tier?
A standing reflection of your dispute history. None is clean; Warn is a heads-up; Slow stretches your payout window to 7 days; Hidden removes you from search; Suspended blocks selling. Tiers auto-recover after 90 days of clean behaviour. Read Penalty tiers.
Can I pause my shop on vacation?
Yes — up to 30 days per pause. Edit → Pause shop. Buyers see "On break — back on [date]". Existing orders continue normally; only new checkouts are blocked. Your subscription keeps running during pause. Read Vacation mode.
Service Providers
Selling your time — cleaners, mechanics, photographers, etc.
What's a service provider on KampalaSnap?
Someone selling their skills and time rather than physical products. Cleaners, salons, mechanics, photographers, caterers, tutors, etc. Buyers find you, tap a WhatsApp button to message, and you arrange the booking directly.
How is a service different from a shop?
Shops sell products with escrow + delivery. Services sell your time — money flows directly between you and the buyer off-platform (MoMo, cash, etc.). KampalaSnap is the discovery layer for services; you handle negotiation and payment.
How do I open a service profile?
Account → Become a service provider → fill in name, category, location, and contact info. Read Opening your service profile for the step-by-step.
Why doesn't my contact button work?
Unverified service profiles don't have the contact CTA active — that's a verified-only feature. You can exist in unverified state for testing, but to actually receive bookings, verification is needed. Read The path to verification.
What's a service showcase?
A portfolio attached to your profile where you can post your best past work as visual entries (photos, title, description, tags). Verified-only feature. Buyers often spend more time on the showcase than the bio. Read Building your showcase.
Can I be a shop AND a service?
Yes — many sellers are. A salon can be both a Service (haircuts) and a Shop (hair products). Each profile is separate but tied to the same account. You can verify each separately.
Do service bookings use the Delivery PIN system?
No — services bypass escrow. The PIN system is for physical products that ship. Service bookings are negotiated and paid directly between you and the buyer (MoMo, cash, bank transfer — your choice).
Creators & Affiliate Program
Promoting other sellers' products for commission.
What's a KampalaSnap creator?
Someone who makes videos featuring other people's products. When buyers tap a tagged product and buy, the creator earns a commission. No inventory, no shipping. Read Being a creator.
How do I apply to be a creator?
Account → Become a creator → fill in your social handles, follower estimate, niche, and why you want to join. Admin reviews each application in 3-7 days. Read Applying to the program for what makes a strong application.
Why was my creator application rejected?
Usually because we couldn't verify an existing audience. The program is for creators with active social presence — TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, or a strong KampalaSnap following. You can reapply after 30 days with a stronger case.
What are creator tiers?
Three: Hustler (0 sales), Influencer (20+ sales), Partner (100+ sales). Each tier unlocks more catalog products — particularly higher-commission ones. Tiers progress automatically as you drive sales. Read Tiers and progression.
How do I earn money as a creator?
Tag catalog products in your videos. When a buyer taps the tag and buys, you earn the commission rate set by the seller (usually 8-20%). Money becomes withdrawable after the delivery + 48-hour dispute window.
How do I tag a product?
On the video upload screen, tap Tag products → pick from your storefront or browse the catalog → Done. The tag appears as a Buy-now tile on the video. Up to 3 products per video. Read Tagging products.
When and how do I get paid?
Same payout system as sellers — Tuesdays and Fridays only, minimum 50,000 UGX, to MoMo or bank via Pesapal. You need to add a payout method first. Read Earnings and withdrawals.
Can I be a seller and a creator?
Yes. You can promote your own shop's products (0% commission — it's self-promo) AND other shops' products (commission from them). Many top creators are also sellers.
Can I lose my creator status?
Only in rare cases — repeated policy violations or promotion of fraudulent products. Normal operation (even with slow weeks) doesn't put your status at risk. Once approved, you're approved.
Affiliate Program (Sellers)
Letting creators promote your products for a commission.
What's the affiliate program?
A way for verified sellers to let creators promote their products. You list a product, set a commission rate (2-30%), and creators can pick it up. When a creator's video drives a sale, you pay the commission and gain reach you wouldn't have on your own. Read The affiliate program.
Who can join the affiliate program?
Verified sellers in good standing (no open disputes, not in a high penalty tier). Service providers and unverified sellers can't join — affiliate is verified-only.
How do I set commission rates?
Per product, when you submit it to the catalog. The range is 2-30%. Most products work at 10-15%. Higher rates attract more creators (and Partner-tier ones) but reduce your margin. Read Setting commission rates.
How long does product approval take?
1-3 business days for most submissions, longer for high-volume periods. Affiliate products require admin review (unlike basic shop products); review checks photos, description, pricing, and policy.
Can I change prices on affiliate products later?
Yes — but price changes need admin approval (48-hour review). This protects creators promoting the product. Submit the change request from the product edit screen. Read Price changes.
How do I opt out of the affiliate program?
Seller Hub → Edit → Affiliate program → Opt out. There's a 30-day creator-protection lock window — creators promoting your products keep earning during it. After 30 days, products fully exit. Read Opting out.
Safety, Privacy, & Reporting
Keeping your account safe, reporting bad behaviour.
How do I report a video that's inappropriate?
Tap the three-dot menu on the video → Report → pick a reason (sexual content, scam, hate speech, etc.). Our moderation team reviews. Most reports are decided within 48 hours. Read Blocking and reports.
How do I block someone?
On a video, profile, or comment, tap the three-dot menu → Block. Blocked users disappear from your view (videos, shop pages, comments). They aren't told they were blocked. Unblock anytime from Account → Settings → Blocked users.
What's the difference between blocking and reporting?
Blocking is a private action — removes someone from your view only. Reporting flags content to our moderation team for review. Use blocking for personal preference; use reporting when something breaks our rules. Both at once for harassment cases.
What if someone is harassing me?
Screenshot the harassment, block the person, and report their account (three-dot menu on their profile). For serious cases (threats, repeated harassment after blocking), email support@kampalasnap.com with the screenshots.
Are my WhatsApp conversations private?
Yes — those are between you and the seller, on WhatsApp's servers, not ours. KampalaSnap doesn't read or store your WhatsApp chats. The chat happens entirely outside our app.
Is my location tracked?
Only when you explicitly tap something like "Find shops near me" or enter your delivery address. We don't track your location in the background. You can always deny location permission and most features still work.
How are videos moderated?
Every uploaded video goes through an automated safety check before going live. Users can also report videos they think break our rules. Admin reviews reports + investigates patterns. Read the Community Guidelines for what's not allowed.
What's a brigade? How is coordinated reporting handled?
When multiple accounts coordinate to report a video they don't like (regardless of whether it actually breaks rules), our system catches the pattern (3+ distinct reporters in 48h) and lets admin review the video on its merits, not the count. Brigading doesn't work to take down legitimate content.
Payments & Wallets
How money moves, who Pesapal is, what's secure.
Who is Pesapal?
Our payment partner. Pesapal Limited is licensed and regulated by the Bank of Uganda as a payment service provider. They handle the actual money movement (collecting from buyers, holding in escrow, paying sellers). KampalaSnap is a Pesapal merchant; we never touch your money directly.
Is Pesapal secure?
Yes — Pesapal is regulated under Uganda's National Payment Systems Act. All compliance, KYC, and consumer-fund-protection is borne by Pesapal under their license. They're used by Jumia, SafeBoda, Bolt, and most other major e-commerce platforms in the region.
What if my payment fails?
The order stays as Pending payment for 72 hours, then auto-cancels. No money is taken. Try the payment again from the order screen. If your MoMo shows the money left but the order is still pending after 10 minutes, email support with your order number.
Can I pay with a bank card?
Yes — Visa and Mastercard both work through Pesapal. Debit or credit. Some banks charge international transaction fees on their end; that's between you and your bank.
Are there transaction fees on the buyer side?
Pesapal may pass through small mobile-money fees (typically under 500 UGX). These show up at checkout before you pay so there are no surprises. Card payments are usually fee-free on the buyer side.
Where does the seller's money go after a sale?
Into the seller's KampalaSnap wallet balance. It's marked as Pending during the 48-hour dispute window, then moves to Withdrawable. Verified sellers can withdraw to MoMo or bank on Tuesdays and Fridays.
What's the platform fee?
Currently ~5% of the item price, taken at the moment of payment. The seller sees the net amount in their wallet. The buyer sees only the item price + delivery fee — no separate platform fee line on the buyer side.
Can I withdraw foreign currency?
Today, only Ugandan Shillings (UGX) and only to Ugandan MoMo or bank accounts. International payouts are on the roadmap but not live yet.
Technical & App Issues
Devices, updates, crashes, slow performance.
What's the minimum Android version supported?
Android 8.0 (Oreo) or higher. Most phones from the last 5-6 years work fine. Older devices may have intermittent issues we don't actively support.
Is there an iPhone version?
Not yet. Android-only at launch. iOS is on the roadmap. If you're on iPhone, the web version of the marketplace will eventually be browsable from Safari.
The app feels slow — what should I do?
First, check your internet (Wi-Fi vs 4G vs 3G — videos especially are bandwidth-heavy). Then try closing and reopening the app. If it's still slow, report in the feedback form with your device model and Android version.
Why am I not getting push notifications?
Check that notifications are allowed in your phone's settings (Settings → Apps → KampalaSnap → Notifications). If they're allowed and you're still not getting them, sign out and back in — that refreshes the notification token.
My video upload keeps failing.
Common causes: file too large (cap is 100 MB), poor internet (uploads need stable connection), or the video isn't vertical (landscape gets cropped weirdly). Try a shorter clip, on Wi-Fi, in vertical orientation. If it still fails, report it.
How do I update the app?
Google Play normally updates apps automatically. If you're on closed testing and a new build is available, you'll see an update prompt the next time you open Play Store. JS-only updates apply silently on next app launch.
What's the latest version?
Open Account → Settings → About — you'll see the version number. During closed testing this might be something like 1.0.0-beta. Each tester build is labeled in Play Console.
Can I use KampalaSnap on a tablet?
It runs on Android tablets but isn't optimised for tablet layouts — everything is built for vertical phone orientation. Works, but doesn't look as clean.
Contact & Support
How to reach us for any issue.
How do I contact KampalaSnap support?
Email support@kampalasnap.com. Include your username and (if applicable) the order or report ID. We aim to respond within 48 hours for general queries, 24 hours for sensitive issues (payment, security, account access).
I'm a tester — how do I send feedback?
Use the feedback form link in your welcome email. It's the structured channel for the 14-day window. Sensitive bugs (PII, payment) should go to support@kampalasnap.com directly.
How do I report a security vulnerability?
Email support@kampalasnap.com with the subject starting with [SECURITY]. We treat security reports with the highest priority — typically same-day acknowledgement. Please don't publicly disclose before we've had a chance to fix it.
I want to partner with KampalaSnap — who do I email?
Email support@kampalasnap.com with subject [Partnership]. Tell us briefly what you're thinking and who you are. We'll route to the right person internally.
Press / media inquiry?
Email support@kampalasnap.com with subject [Press]. We'll respond within 2-3 business days. For tight deadlines, mention the deadline in the subject.
Is there an API?
Not publicly today. We have internal APIs for the mobile app and may open select integrations to partners in the future. Email support@kampalasnap.com with [Integration] in the subject if you have a specific use case.
What if I have a legal request?
Send formal legal correspondence to support@kampalasnap.com with subject [Legal]. Operated by Hobermalo Ventures, registered in Uganda. For data-subject requests (privacy law), see our Privacy Policy.
Can't find your question?
Email support@kampalasnap.com and a real person will get back to you. Closed-test crew members should also use the feedback form for testing-related bugs.
For step-by-step walkthroughs, the Help & Guides section has 50 in-depth articles covering every kind of user.