Import Cars From China to Uganda – Complete Guide

Uganda's automotive market relies heavily on vehicle imports, with Chinese cars becoming increasingly popular. Since Uganda is landlocked, vehicles typically arrive through the Port of Mombasa in Kenya and are transported overland to Kampala. This guide covers everything you need to know about importing cars from China to Uganda.

Why Import From China to Uganda?

Chinese vehicles offer Ugandan buyers excellent value for money. Brands like BYD, Haval, and Changan are well-suited to Ugandan roads and offer modern features at competitive prices. The growing Chinese automotive presence in East Africa means parts and service are becoming more readily available.

Shipping Route & Transit Times

Uganda is a landlocked country. Vehicles are shipped to Port of Mombasa (Kenya) and then transported overland to Kampala (approximately 1,100 km, taking 3–5 days). Total transit time from China to Kampala is approximately 28–35 days. DriveSino handles the entire logistics chain including overland transport from Mombasa to Kampala.

Import Duties & Taxes

Uganda's import duties: 25% import duty on CIF value, 18% VAT on CIF value plus duty, and a withholding tax of 6% on the CIF value for non-registered importers. Used vehicles must be less than 8 years old. Electric vehicles benefit from reduced import duty rates. For more details, see our import taxes guide.

Documentation Required

Ugandan importers need: Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, Commercial Invoice, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) customs declaration, and a clean report of inspection. DriveSino provides all export documentation from China. A pre-shipment inspection is required. Learn more in our export regulations guide.

Popular Vehicles for Uganda

Ugandan buyers favor SUVs and saloon cars. The Haval H6 and Jolion are popular, as are BYD EVs for eco-conscious buyers. Changan's Alsvin and CS35 offer budget-friendly options. Joint-venture Toyota models from China are also excellent choices. Browse our inventory for vehicles available for export to Uganda.

Get Started

Contact DriveSino for a complete landed cost estimate for any vehicle in our inventory. We'll help you calculate the total cost including shipping, insurance, overland transport, and estimated duties for Uganda. View Uganda shipping details or browse our inventory below.