Importing a Car to Uganda in 2026? Here's What You Need to Know

Thinking of importing your next car instead of buying one locally?

Importing gives you more cars to choose from, but you'll need to complete a few steps before getting yours on the road in Uganda. Import duties, inspections, shipping and customs clearance all need to be sorted out. Your total cost can go up depending on the car's age, engine size and the value Customs assigns to it.

Here's how to import a car to Uganda in 2026, what it costs and what you should know before making a purchase.

How Much Does It Cost to Import a Car to Uganda?

When you see a price on a listing, that is not the only thing that makes up the price. You'll also need to arrange transport to Uganda and cover the charges when your car arrives.

Here are the main costs to plan for:

• Vehicle price: What you pay the seller.
• Shipping: Cost of transportation to Mombasa/Dar es Salaam.
• Marine insurance: Helps cover damage or loss during shipping, depending on your policy.
• Import duties and taxes: Taxes and fees collected by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
• Inland transport: Transport the car from the arrival port to Uganda.
• Inspection and clearance: Vehicle checks, paperwork and clearing agent fees.
• Registration: Fees paid to register the vehicle before it can be used on the roads of Uganda.

Your total cost depends on which car you buy and where you're importing it from. 

Uganda Car Import Duties and Taxes in 2026

Uganda charges several taxes on imported vehicles. You'll pay certain taxes on most passenger cars, while others only apply to specific vehicles or age groups.

Here's a breakdown of the main charges.

Tax	Rate	What it means
Import duty	25%	Calculated as a percentage of the car's customs value
Value Added Tax (VAT)	18%	Calculated using the car's customs value plus import duty
Withholding tax	6%	Calculated on customs value in URA's worked example
Infrastructure levy	1.5%	Charged on customs value
Environmental levy	50%	Applies to qualifying passenger vehicles aged 9–15 years

These are the main import taxes in Uganda. How much you pay depends on the car's value, age and category. You may also need to pay declaration, inspection and registration fees.

Check the Uganda Revenue Authority website for more details on vehicle import taxes.

Environmental Tax on Imported Cars in Uganda

The environmental levy is an extra tax on certain older imported vehicles. It can make an older car much more expensive than you expected. Passenger cars aged 9–15 years that fall under this rule face an environmental levy of 50% of their customs value.

For example, if your car's customs value is UGX 10 million, a 50% environmental levy adds UGX 5 million. That's before counting the other import taxes.

How to Calculate Car Import Tax in Uganda

You don't need to guess your import costs. First, find out how much URA values your car. You can then work out the import taxes. URA doesn't always use your purchase price to calculate import taxes. It can assess your vehicle using its own value guide.

Step 1: Find Your Car's Customs Value

First, work out the car's CIF value. CIF stands for Cost, Insurance and Freight.

It includes the vehicle's price, shipping and insurance.

CIF = Vehicle Price + Shipping + Insurance

Say you buy a car for $8,000 and spend another $1,500 on shipping and $200 on insurance. That brings its estimated CIF value to $9,700, although URA may use a different value for tax purposes.

Expense	Amount
Vehicle price	$8,000
Shipping	$1,500
Marine insurance	$200
Estimated CIF value	$9,700

Your estimated CIF value is $9,700. However, URA may assess a different customs value based on the car's make, model, year and other details.

Step 2: Calculate Your Import Duties and Taxes

Suppose URA values your car at UGX 10 million. Here's a breakdown of the taxes you would pay using the example rates.

Tax calculation	Amount (UGX)
Customs value	10,000,000
Import duty: 25% × 10,000,000	2,500,000
VAT: 18% × 12,500,000	2,250,000
Withholding tax: 6% × 10,000,000	600,000
Infrastructure levy: 1.5% × 10,000,000	150,000
Total estimated taxes	5,500,000

Based on this calculation, the import taxes add up to UGX 5.5 million for a car valued at UGX 10 million.

The car's customs value plus these taxes comes to UGX 15.5 million. You'll also need to cover transport, inspection, customs clearance and registration fees where applicable.

What If You're Importing an Older Car?

Older cars may cost more to import because of the environmental levy. If your older car has a customs value of UGX 10 million and falls under the 50% levy, you'll pay another UGX 5 million in environmental tax.

Check the vehicle's manufacture year before buying. You can use the latest URA Motor Vehicle Value Guide to help estimate its customs value.

Which Used Cars Can You Import to Uganda in 2026?

No. Uganda has rules on vehicle age, roadworthiness and steering position. Make sure the used car meets Uganda's import rules before you buy it. Otherwise, you could end up buying a vehicle that cannot enter the country.

Uganda Car Import Age Limit in 2026

Uganda generally does not allow used passenger cars older than 15 years. Some goods vehicles have different rules. A passenger car aged 9–15 years may also face a 50% environmental levy.

So, even if the car is allowed into Uganda, its age can increase your import cost.Check the manufacture year before buying.

Right-Hand Drive and Vehicle Inspection Rules

Uganda generally uses right-hand-drive vehicles. Check the steering position before ordering, especially when buying from a country that commonly sells left-hand-drive cars.

Used vehicles must also meet the applicable roadworthiness inspection requirements. The inspection checks the vehicle's condition and whether it meets the required standards.

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) oversees these requirements. You can check inspection information on the official UNBS website.

Arrange the required inspection and certificate before shipping.

How Does a Car Reach Uganda From Overseas?

Uganda doesn't have a seaport, so your car usually arrives in a neighbouring country first. For vehicles coming from Japan and other overseas markets, two common shipping routes are through Kenya and Tanzania.

Shipping Through Mombasa or Dar es Salaam

• Mombasa, Kenya: Ships unload the cars at Mombasa Port. Transport companies then take them to Uganda by road.   
  
• Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: Exporters can also ship cars to Dar es Salaam before transporting them to Uganda by road.

Ask your exporter which port will be used and what the shipping quote includes.

What Happens Between the Port and Kampala?

Once the vehicle reaches the port, the shipping and transit documents must be processed. The transport company drives the vehicle into Uganda using the approved transit route. Customs procedures continue when the vehicle enters Uganda. After customs approves the release, you can pick up your car or have it delivered.

Ask your exporter which charges you need to pay yourself, including port fees, inland transport and customs clearance.

Documents You Need to Import and Clear a Car in Uganda

You'll need the correct paperwork to clear your vehicle through Uganda Customs.

Prepare these documents:

• Commercial invoice: Confirms the vehicle purchase and provides the details customs needs to review the transaction.
• Bill of lading: Shows the shipping details, including the arrival port.
• Export certificate: Provides the vehicle's export and registration details.
• Vehicle information: Lists the make, model, manufacture year, engine capacity and chassis number.
• Certificate of Roadworthiness: Confirms the required vehicle inspection.
• URA Tax Identification Number (TIN): Identifies the importer for tax and customs purposes.
• Identification documents: Confirm the importer's identity.
• Customs declaration: Provides the vehicle details and other information required by customs.

Your agent may ask for more documents depending on the type of car you're importing.  Compare the documents to make sure the chassis number, engine details and other vehicle information match. Small mistakes can hold up clearance and increase costs.

How to Clear Your Imported Car Through Uganda Customs

In order to collect and register your vehicle, it must pass customs clearance. Here's how the process works.

Step 1: Appoint a Clearing Agent

A clearing agent assists you in completing your customs paperwork and customs clearance. Choose someone familiar with vehicle imports. Explain to them the required documents and their fees before the car arrives.

Step 2: Submit Vehicle Documents

Submit the invoice, bill of lading, export certificate, inspection certificate and other necessary documents to your agent. Your agent uses these documents to complete and submit the customs declaration.

Step 3: Get the URA Customs Assessment

URA verifies its details and calculates the customs value for the vehicle. It then calculates the duties and taxes that apply to your car. Check the assessment prior to payment.

Step 4: Pay the Import Duties and Taxes

Pay the taxes shown on your URA assessment through an authorised payment channel. Save your tax payment receipts and customs release papers in case you need them later. You may need them for the next steps.

Step 5: Collect and Register Your Car

Arrange collection/delivery once Customs releases the vehicle. Registration and possibly insurance will also be required before driving it.

From 1 July 2026, the motor vehicle registration and transfer duty is UGX 200,000 for most vehicle categories. Some smaller vehicles are exempt. This duty is separate from import taxes and other registration charges.

What Can Make Your Car Import More Expensive?

A few overlooked details can leave you paying more than expected.

Here are a few common problems:

• Buying an older car: An environmental levy can add a large amount to your tax bill.
• Using the seller's price to estimate taxes: URA may assess a higher customs value.
• Missing inspection documents: Customs clearance may take longer, and you may have to pay for another inspection.
• Inland transport costs: You'll need to budget for the journey from Mombasa to Kampala if your shipping price doesn't cover it.
• Leaving the car at the port: Storage and handling charges may increase while you arrange clearance.

Ask your exporter to explain exactly what the shipping price includes. Also check who will pay the port handling, inland transport and clearance charges.

Import Your Next Vehicle to Uganda With SBK Global Auto Trading

Looking for a Toyota Hilux, SUV or another vehicle for Uganda? At SBK Global Auto Trading, we supply new and used vehicles for export. Let us know the model, year and price range you're looking for.. Or visit SBK Global Auto Trading to discuss your requirements and request a quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Import Duty on Cars in Uganda?

For the standard passenger car, URA calculates import duty at 25% of the car's customs value. Other charges may include 18% VAT, 6% withholding tax and a 1.5% infrastructure levy, depending on the applicable rules.

How do I calculate car import tax in Uganda?

Start with the customs value assessed by URA. Calculate the applicable import duty, VAT, withholding tax and other levies. Older vehicles may attract an environmental levy. The rate depends on the car's age and type.

What is the age limit for importing a car to Uganda in 2026?

Uganda generally prohibits the import of used passenger cars manufactured more than 15 years ago. Some vehicle categories have different rules, so check the manufacture year and eligibility before buying.

Do I need a roadworthiness certificate to import a used car to Uganda?

Yes, used vehicles covered by Uganda's inspection rules need the required roadworthiness certificate. Arrange the inspection before shipping.

How long does car customs clearance take in Uganda?

There's no fixed time for every shipment. It depends on the documents, customs assessment, payments, inspections and transport arrangements. Missing paperwork can cause delays.