Uganda has no hard age limit on imported cars, which makes it one of East Africa's most open markets. The catch is cost: Uganda's environmental levy rises with a car's age, so an older car that looks cheap in Japan can cost much more by the time it's registered in Kampala.
How the car gets to Kampala
Uganda is landlocked. Cars ship from Japan to the Port of Mombasa in Kenya (3–5 weeks), then travel by road or car carrier through the Malaba or Busia border to Kampala. Use a clearing agent who handles the transit bond through Kenya and the URA entry.
Taxes in Uganda
URA charges import duty, VAT, withholding tax, the environmental levy and registration fees, based on URA's own valuation of the car. The environmental levy is the one to watch:
- Newer cars pay little or none.
- Older cars pay a steep percentage, and the rate jumps at age thresholds.
So a 6–8-year-old car is often cheaper overall than a 15-year-old one. Check URA's current rates or tax calculator before choosing a year.
What Ugandans buy most
- Toyota Premio, Allion and Corolla: the standard family saloons, cheap to service.
- Toyota Wish, Noah and Sienta: 7–8 seaters for families and taxis.
- Toyota Harrier, RAV4 and Land Cruiser Prado: for upcountry roads.
- Hino Dutro and Fuso Canter trucks for business.
Browse: Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Subaru.
Inspection
Uganda requires a pre-export roadworthiness inspection in Japan for used vehicles. We arrange it before loading, and the certificate goes with the shipping papers.
How buying works
- Pick a car from the list below.
- Pay the invoice; we book inspection and shipping to Mombasa.
- Your agent moves it under bond to Kampala, clears it with URA, and you register it.
Live stock and prices are below. Our Kenya guide covers the Mombasa side in more detail. WhatsApp us.
