#7 Steps to buy a car online and import it to Uganda – No broker involved
Jeff July 14, 2025
If you want to buy a car online and import it to Uganda, this is for you.
You might have heard of many on social platforms relating how it doesn’t make any difference buying a car online and importing it say from Japan to Uganda on your own; the thing is, there are good reasons why most Ugandans are shifting to self-shop cars and cutting off the brokers.
Local brokers often prioritize their cut over your deal. Secondly, many bonded cars sit unsold too long, risking hidden mechanical issues. And above all, improved cross-border trade pacts between countries is making it easier even for individuals importers.
Here’s an updated step-by-step guide to help you import your next car safely into Uganda – without a broker:
Step #1. Know the actual cost of your dream car
Seeing a used car for $500 on a Japanese auction site like Beforward.jp? Don’t get too excited – that’s usually the FOB price (Free on Board). It excludes shipping, insurance, taxes, and port fees.
To get the full CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) estimate:
- Use the site’s quote tool
- Select your delivery port (e.g. Mombasa vs Kampala)
- Check if the price updates
- Request a full invoice breakdown
Still, that’s not everything. You’ll also need to budget for URA taxes, registration, clearance fees, and delivery from the port to your doorstep. The actual cost could jump to UGX 20M – 30M+ depending on the car.
Step #2. Minimize the risk of buying a faulty car
Don’t trust just the images. Ask for the car’s inspection certificate (many dealers now provide this upfront due to Uganda’s import requirements). Though this is done by the dealer, you go an extra mile:
- Use the chassis number to verify vehicle history
- Hire a mechanic to analyze inspection sheets and photos
Also, favor vehicles with verified mileage, clean interiors, and no chassis corrosion. It saves you on future garage bills.
Step #3. Understand how much you’ll be taxed
Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has a free tool: Motor Vehicle Tax Calculator
In it, you enter details like (Most of these details, you get them from the invoice the car site sends you after requesting a quote):
- Vehicle Type: e.g. Sedan
- CIF value in USD
- Engine capacity (e.g. 1800cc)
- Weight and seat capacity
Avoid cars older than 15 years (e.g. below 2010) – URA blocks them from entering Uganda.
Also, beware the Environmental Levy:
- 50% tax on cars made in 2014 and below
- 0% levy for newer models (2015+)
Want a precise tax figure? Visit your nearest URA office with the car specs. They’ll assess it for you.
Step #4. Avoid shipping risks
Make sure your CIF price includes shipping insurance. Always ask for:
- Tracking details
- Expected port arrival date
- Confirmation of the ship’s departure from origin
Sites like Beforward.jp or SBTJapan or Enhance.jp offer timely updates via email. Add them to your email safe list to avoid missing updates.
Step #5. Prepare for border clearance fees
When your car arrives at Mombasa, bringing it inland to Uganda will cost you some charges:
- Expect port charges (~$800 for standard vehicles)
- Bond cancellation fee when transitioning from Kenya to Uganda
- Insurance sticker + road usage license in Uganda
Other charges may include demurrage (if delayed pickup), so track your car regularly to avoid fines.
Step #6. Get your car registered with URA
As soon as you receive the parcel containing your car documents, begin you car’s registration process. Don’t wait for it to arrive in Mombasa, this can cost you delay fees. To register the car, you’ll need:
- Bill of Lading
- Translation of vehicle docs (if not in English – Most translation is done at Makerere University if you’re within Kampala)
- Export certificate
- Invoice copy
- Immigration permit (if applicable)
- Original logbook
- Tax Identification Number (TIN)
.
Most of these docs are sent via DHL/FedEx by your dealer. The TIN is self-generated via the URA website.
Step #7. Find a driver to bring it home
If you can’t drive from Mombasa to Uganda yourself, hire a trusted driver familiar with the route. Ask friends or car groups for referrals. Cost usually ranges between UGX 600K to 1M+ depending on the vehicle and season.
So, next time you want to buy a car online and import it to Uganda don’t fret. The process isn’t as hard as many think. That fear only stems from the fact that many in Uganda aren’t used to cross-border purchases; that’s normal. But if you,
- Confirm the real total cost
- Ensure a clean inspection record
- Use URA tools for tax estimates
- Stay on top of shipping updates
- Prepare for clearance and documentation
- Arrange transport home safely
You will successfully import your ride without any middleman.
The truth is, you save between Ugx 4M – 5M if you do it on your own. Take for example a Toyota Rumion 2010 model, on one of the auction sites in Japan, you can find it at $3000, if you add Kampala as your destination, your CIF comes to around $5000 and adding the taxes and registration around Ugx 13.2M.
The total figure converted would come to around Ugx 30M which is less compared to the average price of Ugx 35M at most car bonds. Of course, without negotiating. So, what do you think? Is saving 5M worth it or there’s no difference?
💡 Want to sell your old ride or anything else lying around at home? Post your ad free on Ttunda Classifieds and reach fellow Ugandans instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is CIF and how is it different from FOB? A: CIF includes the car price, shipping, and insurance to your port. FOB only covers the cost at the yard.
Q: Can I import a car older than 15 years? A: No. URA blocks cars over 15 years old from entering Uganda.
Q: What is the best website to buy a used car for Uganda? A: Beforward.jp, SBTJapan, CarFromJapan.com are popular among Ugandan buyers.
Q: How long does shipping take from Japan to Uganda? A: On average 5 to 7 weeks depending on the ship route.
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