The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has announced a new temporary amnesty on storage fees for long stay containers for Ugandan traders, offering an opportunity to reduce logistical costs and ease clearance of cargo congestion at the Port of Mombasa.
According to URA, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has introduced an 80 percent waiver on port storage charges for transit containers that have remained at the port for more than 21 days.
The waiver took effect on 15th October, 2025 and will remain valid until 6th November, 2025.
URA has urged all Ugandan traders with affected cargo to take advantage of the temporary waiver by formally applying to KPA for consideration.
Traders have been cautioned that containers not cleared within the amnesty period will be transferred to the Naivasha Inland Container Depot (ICD) at the owner’s expense, where normal storage charges will apply from the date of arrival at Mombasa.
Speaking to media on 18th October, 2025, Olive Kigongo, the President of the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI), called on Chamber members and the wider private sector to act swiftly.
“This is a timely relief for our business community, especially those affected by high storage and logistical costs. I urge all our members to take full advantage of this waiver to de-congest the port and ease the flow of goods into Uganda,” Kigongo stated.
The UNCCI President highlighted that efficient clearance of goods would improve trade facilitation, reduce operational costs for Ugandan importers, and emphasized that the Chamber continues to engage with both URA and KPA to ensure traders fully benefit from the arrangement
“Do not wait until the deadline. The Chamber is working with regional partners to improve trade, cut business costs, and boost the competitiveness of Ugandan enterprises in East Africa,” Kigongo stated.
The port storage waiver presents a valuable opportunity for Ugandan traders to save costs, improve cargo flow, and strengthen regional trade efficiency.
URA says that timely action during this amnesty will not only relieve immediate logistical pressures but also contribute to a more competitive and resilient business environment in Uganda and across East Africa.
