Uganda Promises Sweeping Overhaul to Ease Export Bottlenecks Costing Country Billions

November 23, 2025 muduuli martin

Exporters say border delays, high logistics costs and poor coordination are crippling competitiveness. Government vows new reforms — but delivery remains the big question.

Kampala, Uganda

Uganda’s government has pledged to implement what it calls a “comprehensive national overhaul” of export systems after business leaders warned that the country is losing billions annually due to border delays, fragmented regulation and inefficient logistics.

The announcement followed a closed-door meeting this week between top officials from the Ministry of Trade, private-sector associations, exporters and transport unions. Exporters say delays of up to 48–72 hours at border points have become routine, particularly along the Busia, Elegu and Mpondwe routes.

According to the Uganda Export Promotion Board (UEPB), Uganda loses an estimated USD 3.5 billion in potential annual export revenue due to non-tariff barriers, lack of automation, outdated border infrastructure and inconsistent customs procedures between East African states.

“We cannot continue to operate in a system where a truck requires six different clearances from six different desks,” said Patrick Mugisha, a grain exporter and member of the Uganda Shippers Council. “Our competitiveness is being eroded every day.”

Trade Minister Mbadi acknowledged the crisis, saying government is “fully committed to removing structural bottlenecks that have hindered Uganda’s rightful place in regional and international markets.”

Among the planned reforms:

Full digitization of customs and clearance systems

Harmonized customs protocols with Kenya, Tanzania and DRC

24/7 border operations at key points

Rehabilitation of export corridors including Tororo–Malaba and Kampala–Elegu

A new Export Reform Steering Unit inside the Trade Ministry

Bahati stated, “Export growth is a national priority. The President has instructed us to eliminate all inefficiencies, and we are responding with urgency.”

But exporters remain cautious.

“We hear promises every year,” said Agnes Alwoko, a flower exporter. “We want timelines, budgets and accountability — not speeches.”

Analysts say Uganda’s export problems run deeper than border delays. Many exporters operate with outdated machinery, high bank interest rates and weak transport infrastructure.

“Uganda has enormous potential,” said economist Dr. Paul Lakony. “But without predictable systems and regional coordination, potential means nothing.”