(3 Minutes Read)
The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has announced a major relief measure for importers, clearing agents, and other trade stakeholders—a 100% waiver on a range of port-related charges at the Port of Mombasa.
This development stems from a joint directive by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), both of which are seeking to enhance port efficiency and reduce the ongoing congestion that has affected cargo movement.
Under the new arrangement, URA confirms that the waiver applies to accrued port storage charges and customs warehouse rent specifically for long-stay containerized cargo. Beneficiaries will be required to submit a formal waiver application, after which the relief will be granted.
In addition, shipping lines have been instructed to offer a full (100%) waiver on container demurrage fees, easing the financial burden on businesses that have suffered from prolonged clearing delays.
However, the tax body emphasized that not all costs are eliminated. Importers will still be responsible for paying:
- Primary port charges
- Rail freight costs
- Shipping line fees, including Delivery Order (DO) fees and Terminal Handling Charges (THC)
- All applicable statutory taxes
URA is urging all Ugandan importers and clearing agents with cargo stuck at Mombasa to make immediate use of this temporary opportunity.
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URA therefore encourages all Ugandan importers and clearing agents with long-stay containers at the Port of Mombasa to take advantage of the window by liaising promptly with their shipping lines and port agents to process the necessary applications.
The waiver program will run for 30 days, effective November 6 to December 6, 2025. This initiative is expected to ease financial pressures, speed up cargo clearance, and improve the flow of goods through East Africa’s busiest port.
