By: Chimp reports

Uganda-bound cargo handled through Kenya’s Port of Mombasa rose by 25% in 2025, underscoring the growing importance of East Africa’s main maritime gateway in supporting regional trade and lowering logistics costs.

The port handled 10.91 million metric tons of cargo destined for Uganda last year, up from 8.70 million metric tons in 2024, according to officials, cementing Uganda’s position as the largest transit market for the facility.

The surge reflects improvements in port efficiency, customs coordination and inland logistics, as regional authorities deepen cooperation to facilitate trade flows across the Northern Corridor linking Mombasa to Kampala.

A delegation from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), led by Chairman Emmanuel Katongole and Commissioner General John Musinguzi Rujoki, visited the port on Monday, highlighting its strategic role as Uganda’s primary trade artery. Geographic Reference

“The Port of Mombasa is not just a transit point but a critical enabler of Uganda’s economic activity,” Musinguzi said during the visit, pointing to ongoing efforts to streamline cargo clearance and reduce turnaround times.Rwanda News Portal

Discussions between URA officials and the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) focused on cargo security, efficiency and the need to expand capacity to match rising demand driven by Uganda’s import growth and regional trade integration.

KPA’s General Manager for Cargo Operations, Sudi Mwasinago, said Uganda remains one of the port’s most important users, adding that collaboration between agencies has already improved cargo handling and predictability.

“This partnership goes beyond infrastructure—it is about ensuring trade stability and reliability across East Africa,” he said.

The increase in cargo volumes comes as Uganda continues to rely heavily on Mombasa for imports including fuel, machinery and consumer goods, even as it explores alternative routes such as Tanzania’s Port of Dar es Salaam to diversify supply chains.

Improved coordination between customs authorities, including digital tracking systems and joint verification frameworks, has helped reduce delays and costs for importers—benefits that officials say are beginning to filter through to consumers.

However, authorities acknowledged that sustained growth will require further investment in port expansion, rail connectivity and border infrastructure to avoid congestion and maintain efficiency gains as trade volumes rise.