Export Cars
to Uganda
UK Car Export provides professional vehicle export services to Uganda for private buyers, trade customers and dealerships. We manage the complete process from vehicle sourcing and documentation through to international shipping and delivery support.
Request Export QuoteExporting to Uganda
Uganda is a landlocked East African country with vehicle imports routing primarily through Mombasa in Kenya. Right-hand drive UK vehicles are standard across Uganda's roads.
UK Car Source coordinates the full logistics chain to Uganda, managing sea freight to Mombasa, inland clearance and transit documentation for onward delivery to Kampala.
Import Rules
| Drive Configuration | Right-hand drive preferred and standard. |
| Vehicle Age Limit | Maximum 8 years from first registration. |
| Condition | Roadworthy condition. Pre-export inspection recommended. |
| Customs Authority | Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) |
| Duty & VAT | Import duty, withholding tax and VAT (18%) applicable on CIF value. |
| Standards | UK-specification vehicles generally accepted. |
Import regulations are subject to change. We recommend confirming current requirements with the relevant customs authority prior to shipment.
Major Ports
Shipping Options
Required Documentation
Estimated Timelines
Vehicle Sourcing & Preparation
1–3 weeks depending on specification and availability
Documentation & Export Clearance
3–7 working days
Sea Freight Transit
20–27 days sea freight
Customs Clearance at Destination
3–10 working days depending on port and documentation
Total Estimated Process
6–12 weeks from order to delivery (subject to availability and customs)
Import Tax Breakdown
| Import Duty | 25% of CIF (EAC CET) |
| Withholding Tax | 6% of CIF |
| VAT | 18% |
| Infrastructure Levy | 1.5% of CIF |
| Age Restriction | Maximum 15 years from manufacture — Parliament rejected a proposal to reduce this to 13 years in 2026. |
| Excise Duty | No excise duty on most passenger vehicles |
Tax rates are indicative and subject to change. Verify with local customs authority before shipping.
Port Guide
Uganda is landlocked. All vehicle imports transit through Mombasa (Kenya) or Dar es Salaam (Tanzania). Transit from Mombasa to Kampala via road is the most common route — approx. 1,200km, 3–5 days.
Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) handles customs clearance at Malaba (Kenya/Uganda border) or Mutukula (Tanzania/Uganda border). UNBS pre-import verification (PVOC) required. Budget extra 2–3 weeks for inland transit vs coastal destinations.
Local Market Advice
Kampala has a growing prestige vehicle market. RHD vehicles from the UK are popular. Uganda's 15-year age limit is one of the most permissive in East Africa, opening up a wide range of UK pre-owned stock. 4WDs are essential for many road conditions.
Fuel availability is good in cities; diesel is most widely available. Toyota and Land Rover parts are stocked by main dealers in Kampala. Import costs are higher than coastal countries due to transit fees — budget accordingly.
Most Popular Vehicles
Uganda's vehicle market is dominated by practical 4WD workhorses capable of handling everything from Kampala's congested urban roads to the rough laterite tracks of the rural north and east. The Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series is the country's most iconic vehicle — used by NGOs, government, construction companies and well-heeled individuals alike. The 76 Station Wagon and 79 Dual Cab variants are both popular, and these models retain value extraordinarily well in the Ugandan market. UK buyers should note that the 70 Series was manufactured in Japan for right-hand-drive markets, making UK-sourced examples directly compatible.
The Toyota Hilux Extra Cab and Double Cab diesel are Uganda's second most popular segment — cost-effective, parts-available and proven on rough roads. Land Rover Defender (both legacy and new 2020-onwards models) have a growing following among NGO workers and private buyers in Kampala's growing professional class. Toyota Prado 150 Series is popular as a family SUV for wealthier Kampala residents. Nissan Patrol Y61 remains a strong off-road choice. Engine preferences run strongly towards diesel for fuel economy and torque.
| Top Seller | Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series |
| Runner Up | Toyota Hilux Double Cab (diesel) |
| Prestige Choice | Land Rover Defender 110 |
| Budget Pick | Toyota Prado 150 / Nissan Patrol |
Common Questions
How does shipping work to land-locked Uganda?
Uganda has no coastline, so all vehicle imports travel by sea to Mombasa Port in Kenya, then overland by road transporter to Kampala — a distance of approximately 1,200 km via Nairobi and Eldoret. The sea transit from UK to Mombasa takes 21–28 days. After port clearance in Mombasa, the overland transit to Kampala typically takes 4–7 days depending on the transporter and border crossing times at Busia or Malaba. We coordinate with trusted Mombasa clearing agents and Kampala-based delivery companies to manage the full journey.
What does Uganda's 8-year age limit mean in practice?
Uganda allows vehicles up to 15 years from manufacture, enforced by Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) at the point of customs clearance in Kampala. A proposal to reduce this to 13 years was rejected by Parliament in 2026. This makes Uganda one of East Africa's most permissive import markets by age — vehicles manufactured from 2011 onwards are eligible in 2026, giving access to a very broad range of UK pre-owned stock. Import duty is calculated as a percentage of CIF value and includes VAT at 18% plus a 1.5% infrastructure levy.
How long does the full transit from the UK to Kampala take?
Total door-to-door transit from the UK to Kampala typically takes 6–10 weeks. This includes 3–4 weeks at sea from a UK port to Mombasa, 1–2 weeks for Mombasa port clearance (Kenya Revenue Authority inspection and release), and 1–2 weeks for overland transport and Uganda Revenue Authority clearance in Kampala. We keep buyers updated at each stage and provide estimated arrival windows at the outset. Having an experienced Mombasa agent is critical for avoiding delays in the port clearance phase.
Export a Vehicle to Uganda
Contact our export team today. We handle sourcing, documentation, shipping and logistics — so you don't have to.