Frequently Asked Questions

This depends entirely on the size and layout of your property. For a typical home, 4 cameras (front gate, main entrance, back garden, and parking) are usually enough. A small office may need 4–8, while a large commercial building or school can require 16–64 or more. GEP TSS provides a free site survey where our engineer visits your property, maps your coverage gaps, and recommends the exact number and positions needed — at no cost and no obligation.

IP (network) cameras transmit video over your ethernet or Wi-Fi network to an NVR (Network Video Recorder). They offer higher resolution (2 MP–8 MP), built-in AI analytics, and easier long-distance cabling — ideal for new installations. Analog cameras connect via coaxial cable to a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) and are often used when upgrading an existing analog system. GEP TSS installs both; we'll recommend whichever is right for your situation and budget.

Storage duration depends on the hard drive capacity in your DVR/NVR, the number of cameras, and the recording resolution. A typical 2 TB hard drive with four 2 MP cameras recording continuously covers approximately 30 days. We can size your storage to match your retention needs — 7, 14, 30, or 90 days. Footage is accessed via the DVR/NVR monitor on-site, or remotely via the Hik-Connect or iVMS-4200 app on your phone or computer from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.

Yes. All the cameras we supply use infrared (IR) night vision as standard, typically effective to 20–50 metres in complete darkness. For critical areas requiring colour night footage, we supply ColorVu cameras (Hikvision) that use supplemental lighting to produce full-colour images even in low light conditions. For outdoor perimeter security, we also offer PIR motion-triggered cameras that only record when movement is detected, saving storage.

Without backup power, your cameras and recorder stop when UMEME supply fails — which is a major vulnerability in Uganda. We strongly recommend pairing your CCTV system with either a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) for short outages, or our solar backup solution for extended 24/7 off-grid operation. Our engineers size the backup system to match the exact wattage of your CCTV installation. Ask us to include a power backup option in your quote.

Yes. All Hikvision and Dahua equipment we supply carries the manufacturer's warranty (typically 2 years for cameras and NVRs). Our installation workmanship is covered for 1 year. Post-installation, you receive our direct WhatsApp and phone support. Many issues — app configuration, remote access setup, camera angle adjustment — are resolved without a site visit. For hardware faults or system expansions, we offer scheduled maintenance visits. Ask about our annual maintenance plans when you request a quote.

We install a full range of access control and biometric solutions: fingerprint readers (most common for offices and gates), facial recognition terminals (contactless — ideal for hospitals, schools, and high-traffic areas), RFID/proximity card readers, electric bolt locks and magnetic locks, electric door strikes, and intercom/video doorbell systems with remote unlock. We can combine multiple methods — for example, fingerprint + PIN for a server room requiring two-factor authentication.

In most cases, yes. We typically fit an electric strike or magnetic lock to your existing door frame alongside the biometric reader, without replacing the door itself. For glass doors, sliding gates, and barriers, we use appropriate lock mechanisms designed for each door type. Our installer will assess your specific doors during the free site visit and advise on the best integration method.

We configure the system to match your safety requirements. Fail-safe locks release (unlock) when power is cut — suitable for fire exit doors where people must be able to leave. Fail-secure locks hold the locked position when power is cut — suitable for server rooms or secure storage where security is the priority. All our biometric systems are designed to work with a UPS or battery backup so power interruptions cause minimal disruption. We'll discuss the right fail mode for each door during your site survey.

Capacity depends on the specific device — entry-level terminals handle 1,000–3,000 fingerprints, while enterprise models support 10,000+. Most devices also include built-in time & attendance logging: every access event is timestamped and stored. You can export reports — clocking-in times, late arrivals, total hours — via the management software to a computer. For schools and larger organisations with multiple access points, we set up a central management system so all doors are managed from one dashboard.

Yes. We design and install enterprise-grade wireless networks using Ubiquiti UniFi access points or equivalent, positioned based on a wireless site survey so every room and outdoor area gets consistent coverage — no dead spots. Multiple access points connect to a central controller for seamless roaming (you move around the building without losing connection). We have deployed networks across multi-storey offices, hotels, schools, and large compounds. Tell us your building's size and user count and we'll design the right network layout.

Structured cabling is a planned, organised system of ethernet and fibre cables that form the physical backbone of your network — rather than ad-hoc cables stretched across floors or taped to walls. A proper Cat 6 structured cabling installation supports Gigabit speeds, is neatly routed in conduits or cable trays, labelled at every endpoint, and terminated in a central patch panel. This makes future expansion, troubleshooting, and maintenance simple and fast. Messy, unstructured cabling is one of the most common causes of slow networks and mysterious outages — and one of the first things we fix when diagnosing a client's existing network.

Yes. We offer remote support via WhatsApp, phone and remote desktop for software and configuration issues. For hardware faults or physical changes (adding ports, extending cabling, replacing equipment), we provide on-site support visits across Kampala, Wakiso, Luwero and nearby areas. We can also set up a monthly or quarterly support retainer for organisations that need priority response times. Ask about our support packages when you request a quote.

Runtime depends on the size of your battery bank and the total wattage of your equipment. As a practical example: a typical 8-camera CCTV system with an NVR draws around 80–120 W. A 200 Ah, 12 V battery bank (2.4 kWh) can power that system for 18–24 hours on a full charge — longer than most Uganda blackouts. We size your battery bank based on your actual equipment loads and your desired minimum runtime. Solar panels on the roof recharge the batteries during the day, making the system fully self-sustaining.

Yes, though at reduced charging efficiency. Solar panels still generate electricity on cloudy days — typically at 20–40% of their rated capacity. Uganda's equatorial location means solar irradiance is high year-round, even during the wet seasons. A correctly sized system accounts for several consecutive low-sun days by providing sufficient battery storage capacity. For critical security applications, we size the system with a conservative margin so your equipment stays online through extended overcast periods. Our hybrid systems can also automatically recharge from mains UMEME power when available.

System size is calculated from two things: the total wattage of equipment you need to run and the number of hours you need it to run without mains power. For security-only backup (CCTV + routers + biometric terminals), systems typically start at 300 W panels + 100 Ah battery. For an office wanting to run lights, fans and computers alongside security, we step up to 1 kW–3 kW. For whole-building backup including air conditioning, we engineer bespoke 5 kW+ systems. We carry out a free load assessment before quoting — there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

Yes — this is called a hybrid solar system, and it's what we recommend for most clients. The system runs on solar during the day, stores surplus in batteries, and automatically switches to UMEME if the batteries run low. When UMEME is available, it tops up the batteries overnight. The changeover is seamless and instant — equipment stays on throughout. You get the reliability of 24/7 power without fully disconnecting from the grid. We handle all wiring, earthing, and metering in compliance with electrical safety standards.

Our three offices cover Kampala, Wakiso and Luwero, and our engineer teams travel across Entebbe, Jinja, Mukono, Masaka and surrounding districts. For larger projects, we also accept work in Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya — contact us to discuss travel and logistics. If you're unsure whether we cover your area, send us your location on WhatsApp and we'll confirm within the hour.

There are three ways: WhatsApp (+256 782 018 298), fill in the quote form on our Contact page, or call us directly. For small, straightforward jobs we can often provide a ballpark quote over WhatsApp the same day. For larger installations, we schedule a free site visit — our engineer assesses your property and we deliver a detailed written quote within 24–48 hours. There is no fee and no pressure to proceed.

Yes — and this is one of our core strengths. Because we handle all four service areas in-house, we can design an integrated security and ICT ecosystem: your CCTV and biometric systems share a single network backbone installed by the same team, powered by your solar backup, and managed from one central point. Bundling saves you time (one contractor, one visit), reduces cabling duplication, and often reduces overall cost. We'll present a unified proposal covering all systems with one price breakdown.