NAIROBI, Kenya- The volume of cargo destined for Uganda through the Port of Mombasa has increased sharply, with figures for 2025 showing a 25 per cent rise compared with the previous year, reinforcing the status of Kenya’s largest maritime gateway as a linchpin for East African commerce.
According to the latest data from the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), 10.91 million metric tons of goods were handled for Uganda in 2025, up from 8.70 million metric tons in 2024, a trend that reflects growing demand and improved efficiency along the Northern Corridor trade route.
The Port of Mombasa’s deep‑water terminal is the main international seaport in Kenya and serves as the primary conduit for landlocked Uganda’s imports and exports, as well as those of other regional neighbours.
High‑Level Visit Highlights Shared Priorities
On Wednesday, senior officials from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) , including Chairman Katongole Emmanuel and Commissioner General John Musinguzi, visited the port, emphasising the facility’s importance not just as a transit hub but as a vital artery for Uganda’s trade and economic development.
During discussions with KPA leadership, the delegates highlighted strategic areas of collaboration, including improving cargo safety, strengthening customs coordination, and ensuring the timely delivery of goods.
Both sides also underscored the need for further expansion and infrastructure upgrades at the port and along the Northern Corridor to keep pace with burgeoning regional demand.
The URA delegation stressed that continued investment in logistics and coordinated operations will reduce costs for Ugandan importers and consumers, while enhancing the competitiveness of the broader East African trade ecosystem.
📈 Uganda-bound cargo through the Port of Mombasa is on the rise with a 25% increase in volumes last year proving the region’s largest maritime gateway is delivering greater efficiency. Today, leadership from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) including Chairman Mr. Katongole
Streamlining Operations, Reducing Costs
Kenya and Uganda have been working with partner agencies to streamline cargo handling and border processes, a trend that has already begun to lower operational costs for traders.
Improved data sharing, enhanced clearance systems and cooperation between customs authorities are among the steps credited for recent efficiency gains.
KPA’s General Manager of Cargo Operations, Dr. Sudi Mwasinago, said Uganda remains one of the port’s largest and most important customers, with continued growth in transit volumes reflecting both economic expansion and the success of ongoing reforms.
He described the partnership with URA and other stakeholders as “about more than infrastructure — it is about strengthening trade stability across East Africa.”
Regional Trade Landscape
Uganda’s position as the dominant transit market through Mombasa aligns with broader trends in East African freight movement.
Recent transport corridor reports show that transit cargo flows across the Northern Corridor have been growing steadily, with Uganda accounting for the largest share of cargo throughput.
The surge comes amid increases in economic activity across the region and improvements in port handling capacity, rail and road connectivity, and customs processes, all designed to make the journey from the Indian Ocean to landlocked markets more efficient and cost‑effective.
