Musana Carts

Musana Carts provides efficient infrastructure to street vendors, allowing them to conduct and grow their business in a safe, legal, and innovative way. Founded by Dr. Nataliey Bitature after the team advanced to the final six among over 25,000 applicants in the global Hult Prize competition, Musana Carts describes itself as the only solar-powered food cart manufacturer of its kind.

Solar-Powered, Vendor-Designed

Each cart harnesses the energy of the sun through solar panels that power lights, sockets, a radio, and a fan in the stove. Carts are modular and fully customizable, designed for and with each vendor to ensure they receive exactly what their business needs, including an eco-stove that eliminates the harmful smoke inhalation associated with charcoal burning.

Real Impact on the Street

Musana Carts has equipped 75 vendors with customized carts across Uganda, with 35 operating in Kampala alone. Each cart typically employs three to six people across maintenance, field operations, and vending roles. Beyond income, vendors gain medical clearance, food-handling training, and safety inspection before licensing, along with legal status through partnerships with local city councils.

As USAID's Oscar D. Ankunda put it: "Musana Carts is a unique idea that can revolutionize vending, allowing for efficiency and sustainability."