KAMPALA, UGANDA – Uganda’s vehicle imports have more than tripled over the past four years, a surge driven primarily by a dramatic increase in the number of motorcycles entering the country, according to new data from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
The URA Annual Data Book for the 12 months ending in June 2024 shows that vehicle imports, which include motor vehicles, motorcycles, and tricycles, rose by 74 percent, from 204,231 units in the 12 months to June 2023 to 787,610 units.
The data indicates a significant shift in the market, with motorcycle imports now outpacing motor vehicles by a two-to-one margin. Of the total vehicles imported in the period, motorcycles accounted for 500,917 units, or 63.5 percent. This marks a 67.3 percent increase from the average of 163,356 units imported in the three years prior.
Economic and Infrastructure Growth
The rapid growth in motorcycle imports mirrors the expansion of Uganda’s boda boda, or commercial motorcycle taxi, industry. The sector has become a vital part of the transportation system, particularly in urban areas, and is a major source of employment for young people. While the industry is largely unregulated, estimates suggest there are more than 1.5 million boda boda motorcycles operating in the country.
The URA data also reveals a substantial increase in commercial vehicle imports. Station wagons remain the dominant motor vehicle import, making up 27 percent of the total at 76,432 units. However, imports of mixers, semi-trailers, and pick-up trucks also saw a significant jump. The notable rise in mixer imports, from an average of just 67 units to 38,783 units, is likely linked to a boom in the real estate and road construction sectors. Imports of other heavy equipment, such as forklifts and earth equipment, also grew considerably.
