Import Used Trucks to Uganda — 2026 CIF Mombasa Guide
Why Import Used Trucks from China to Uganda?
Uganda’s truck market has been heating up fast, and more importers are choosing to import used trucks from China to Uganda than ever before. The numbers tell the story: the oil refinery project in Hoima alone is creating massive demand for heavy equipment. On top of that, the Kampala-Jinja expressway, expanding road networks across the country, and a growing mining sector mean that dump trucks, tractor-trailers, and cargo trucks are in short supply.
Chinese-used trucks have become the go-to choice for Ugandan businesses — and for good reason. In fact, the price-to-performance ratio beats anything from Japan or Europe at this point. Plus, parts availability has improved massively compared to five years ago. So it’s no surprise that HOWO, Shacman, and FAW are the three brands you see most on Ugandan roads today. We’ve sold quite a few ourselves to buyers in Kampala and Jinja — and most of them come back for a second truck within a year.
If you’re looking to import used trucks from China to Uganda, understanding the process — from shipping routes to final costs — is critical. This guide walks through everything step by step.
Shipping Routes When You Import Used Trucks to Uganda
Uganda is landlocked, so every truck imported from China to Uganda first passes through a neighboring port. Generally, there are two main routes, and your choice affects both cost and delivery time.
Route 1: Mombasa Port, Kenya — Main Uganda Import Route
About 90% of Uganda’s imports come through Mombasa. Then, from Mombasa, trucks drive roughly 1,200 km to Kampala via the Uganda Revenue Authority checkpoint at the Malaba border. This takes about 7–10 days depending on road conditions and customs clearance. Overall, Mombasa has better infrastructure and more freight companies servicing the Uganda route. However, border delays at Malaba can add 2–3 days during busy periods.
Route 2: Dar es Salaam Port, Tanzania
This route is about 1,600 km from Dar es Salaam to Kampala via the Mutukula border post. Admittedly, the roads are rougher in parts, and transit takes longer. On the other hand, some importers switch to this route when Mombasa gets congested. As a bonus, it also avoids the bottlenecks at Malaba.
Ocean Freight Costs for Trucks from China to Uganda
A standard 20-foot container from Shanghai or Tianjin to Mombasa runs roughly $2,500–$3,500. Typically, the exact price depends on the shipping line and season. Alternatively, RoRo (roll-on roll-off) shipping is another option — usually cheaper by $500–$1,000, but availability on the East Africa route varies. According to Maersk shipping schedules, transit from China to Mombasa is about 25–30 days. Additionally, you can check real-time container freight rates on Freightos to compare shipping lines. For Dar es Salaam, add another 3–5 days of sailing. Meanwhile, some shippers prefer containers for better protection against weather and theft.
Import Duties for Used Trucks in Uganda 2026
Here’s the breakdown of what you’ll pay when you import used trucks from China to Uganda. These rates are current for 2026 — of course, always double-check with URA before finalizing your purchase.
| Charge | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty (CIF-based) | 25% | Trucks over 10 years old pay 35% |
| VAT | 18% | Applied on CIF + duty + other charges |
| Infrastructure Levy (IDF) | 1.5% | On CIF value |
| Railway Levy (RDL) | 1.5% | On CIF value |
| Withholding Tax | 6% | For non-resident suppliers |
| Pre-shipment Inspection | ~$300–500 | Done in China before export |
Age Restrictions for Used Trucks to Uganda
Uganda restricts used vehicle imports to a maximum of 8 years from the year of manufacture. So when you import used trucks from China to Uganda in 2026, the truck should be a 2018 model or newer. However, some exemptions exist for specialized equipment. Generally, though, standard trucks must comply. Always check the manufacture year on the truck’s documentation before you buy — this is one of the most common mistakes from first-time buyers. For official import policies, the East African Community customs page also has relevant guidelines.
Real Landed Cost: HOWO 371 Dump Truck Example
Let’s say you’re buying a used HOWO 371 dump truck (2019 model) at $28,000 FOB China. Here’s your total cost to get it to Kampala:
| Item | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| FOB Price (Truck) | $28,000 |
| Ocean Freight + Insurance | $3,500 |
| CIF Value (Mombasa) | $31,500 |
| Import Duty 25% | $7,875 |
| IDF 1.5% | $473 |
| RDL 1.5% | $473 |
| VAT 18% | $7,264 |
| Total Tax & Duty | $16,085 |
| Inland Transport Mombasa → Kampala | $2,500–4,000 |
| Estimated Landed Cost in Kampala | $50,100–$51,600 |
That’s roughly $22,000–$23,500 extra on top of the truck price. As a result, budget for it upfront — many first-time importers underestimate and end up stuck at the border.
Best Chinese Used Trucks for Uganda
Not all trucks are built for the same job. If you want to import used trucks from China to Uganda, here’s how the top models compare for local road conditions and industries.
HOWO 371 Dump Truck — Top for Uganda Construction
The most popular dump truck in Uganda by a long shot. It runs a Weichai engine with 371 hp and a Sinotruk 10-speed gearbox. This combination handles heavy loads for road construction and mining. On top of that, parts are widely available in Kampala. For example, you’ll find brake pads, filters, and engine parts without much trouble. Full HOWO 371 specs →
Shacman F3000 Tractor — Best for Mombasa–Kampala Route
Solid for container hauling. Weichai WP12 engine (375 hp), Fast 12-speed transmission. Fuel consumption around 32–35 L/100 km loaded. Shacman buyer’s guide →
FAW J6 Tractor — Most Fuel Efficient
Gaining ground fast. More fuel-efficient than HOWO or Shacman, better cab comfort for long-haul. Parts availability is improving across East Africa. FAW trucks guide →
Great Wall Pickup — Best for Local Transport
Extremely popular in Kampala for site management and smaller loads. The Wingle 7 and Poer offer good payload with better fuel economy than a full-sized truck. Great Wall pickups →
Quick Brand Comparison for Uganda
| Feature | HOWO 371 | Shacman F3000 | FAW J6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Dump / Construction | Container Hauling | Long Distance |
| Engine Power | 371 hp | 375 hp | 350–420 hp |
| Fuel Economy | Good | Good | Best in class |
| Parts in Kampala | Excellent | Good | Improving |
| Price (FOB) | $25k–$35k | $22k–$32k | $20k–$30k |
For construction and heavy loads, go with HOWO. For container logistics, choose Shacman or FAW. For local delivery and site management, a Great Wall pickup makes the most sense.
Documents Required to Import Trucks to Uganda
- Bill of Lading — Original from shipping line
- Commercial Invoice — Shows the truck value and must match the inspection report
- Packing List — Especially if spare parts are included
- Certificate of Origin — Issued by China Chamber of Commerce
- Pre-shipment Inspection Report — Required by URA for all used imports
- Import Declaration Form (IDF) — Filed with Uganda Revenue Authority
- Roadworthiness Certificate — Proves the vehicle is safe to operate
Hire a clearing agent in Kampala or at Malaba. They handle URA paperwork and clear your truck in 3–5 days if everything’s in order. Without one, expect 2 weeks or more. In the end, a good agent pays for itself in time saved.
Why Buy Used Trucks from Hebei Car?
Our base is Shijiazhuang — the heart of China’s truck export industry. We deal in HOWO, Shacman, FAW, FOTON, and Great Wall trucks every day. Every truck we ship goes through a full inspection: engine compression test, transmission check, chassis inspection, and a test drive. Basically, we don’t cut corners.
Plus, we’ve shipped to Uganda before and know the Mombasa–Kampala route well. Besides handling the sourcing and inspection, we also manage paperwork, shipping, and coordination with clearing agents on the Uganda side. As a result, you won’t get stuck at the border.
Contact us on WhatsApp or email → Tell us what you need, your budget, and your timeline. We’ll then give you a real CIF price to Mombasa or Dar es Salaam.
FAQs About Importing Used Trucks to Uganda
Can I import used trucks from China to Uganda if they’re older than 8 years?
URA enforces the 8-year limit strictly. Standard trucks need to be 2018 or newer in 2026. Specialized equipment may get exemptions.
What’s the cheapest shipping method from China to Uganda?
RoRo to Mombasa — roughly $2,000–$2,500 per truck. Container shipping is more reliable at about $2,500–$3,500.
How long does it take to import used trucks from China to Uganda?
45–60 days total: inspection (2–3 days), documentation (3–5 days), ocean freight (25–30 days), inland transport plus customs (7–10 days).
Are Chinese truck parts available in Uganda?
Yes. HOWO and Shacman parts are widely stocked in Kampala. FAW is catching up. Brake pads, filters, suspension, engine consumables — all available. Full spare parts guide →
Do you offer support after purchase?
We provide maintenance guides for every truck, and our team is on WhatsApp for troubleshooting. Also, we can connect you with service contacts in Kampala who know Chinese trucks well.
Which port is better — Mombasa or Dar es Salaam?
Mombasa is the standard choice for most importers. It’s faster and better connected to Kampala. When Mombasa gets backed up, Dar es Salaam is a viable alternative despite the longer inland distance.
Ready to Import Used Trucks from China to Uganda?
The Ugandan market is growing fast — especially with the oil refinery in Hoima and expanding road networks. Whether you need dump trucks for construction, tractor heads for the Mombasa route, or pickups for your business, Chinese used trucks offer the best value right now.
Contact Hebei Car → Just share your requirements, budget, and timeline. We’ll quote real CIF pricing to Mombasa or Dar es Salaam.
Last updated: July 2026. Rates may change. Verify with URA before purchasing.
