Relief for Ugandan importers as URA waives Mombasa port storage charges

Ugandan importers and clearing agents have received a significant reprieve as the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) announced a 100% waiver on accrued port storage charges and Customs warehouse rent for long-stay containerized cargo at the Port of Mombasa.

The relief follows a joint notice issued on November 6, 2025, by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), aimed at decongesting East Africa’s busiest gateway and improving the efficiency of cargo clearance along the Northern Corridor.

The waiver is time-bound, running from November 6 to December 6, 2025, and applies only to Ugandan importers and clearing agents who lodge a waiver application for affected containers. URA has urged all stakeholders to act promptly to take advantage of this opportunity, noting that timely application and clearance are essential for benefiting from the relief. Officials described the initiative as a measure to relieve the financial burden on traders who have faced escalating storage costs and to improve cargo flow at Mombasa Port.

The waiver specifically covers 100% of accrued port storage charges and Customs warehouse rent for long-stay containers. Additionally, shipping lines have been directed to extend a corresponding 100% waiver on accrued container demurrage fees, providing further financial relief to importers. These measures are particularly important for traders whose storage costs have, in some cases, exceeded the value of their goods due to compounding daily charges.

Importers are, however, reminded that the waiver does not cover primary port charges, rail freight fees, shipping line charges such as Delivery Order and Terminal Handling Charges, or statutory taxes, which remain payable. The relief strictly applies to long-term storage and warehouse-related costs, ensuring that core government revenue and operational transport fees remain unaffected.

URA management has emphasized the importance of prompt action, urging all importers and clearing agents to liaise immediately with their shipping lines and port agents to submit the necessary waiver applications and expedite container clearance. This directive aligns with regional efforts to facilitate trade, reduce the cost of doing business, and improve turnaround times along the Northern Corridor.

Officials hope that the limited 30-day window will act as a catalyst for rapid decongestion at Mombasa Port, enabling smoother and faster movement of cargo for all traders in the region. Importers seeking more information are advised to contact URA using the details provided in the public notice