Uganda has taken a significant dive forward to enhance export logistics capabilities following the completion of a multi-modal logistics hub in Gulu.
This was announced during the National Export Logistics Dialogue held at Four Points by Sheraton in Kampala on Thursday 14 November 2024.
Speaking at the dialogue, Katushabe Winston, Commissioner for Transport Regulation and Safety at the Ministry of Works and Transport, highlighted the impact of the new Gulu hub.
“The multi-modal logistics hub in Gulu is now fully operational, significantly enhancing Uganda’s import and export logistics capabilities. This infrastructure is a game-changer for the region’s economic growth,” Katushabe said.
The Gulu facility is designed to reduce transportation costs and improve efficiency in handling cargo, benefiting businesses trading with South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and other neighboring markets.
Building on the success of the Gulu hub, the Ugandan government is now turning its attention to developing another logistics center at Entebbe. According to Katushabe, the government is in the final stages of negotiations with Boeing to establish this new facility, which is expected to further strengthen Uganda’s trade infrastructure.
“The Government of Uganda is finalizing plans with Boeing to construct a logistics hub at Entebbe, which will be a key asset in enhancing our export logistics framework,” he revealed.
The government’s commitment to improving trade logistics is underscored by the Transport and Logistics Policy passed in November 2021. This policy aims to boost Uganda’s competitiveness in both regional and global markets by supporting self-regulation among exporters.
“Cabinet passed the Transport and Logistics Policy to enhance Uganda’s competitiveness in all markets. The government is supporting self-regulation of exporters to boost efficiency,” Katushabe added.
The dialogue also addressed challenges in cross-border trade, particularly delays at border posts. Mr. Agaba Collins, Sector Coordinator for Trade, Transport, and Logistics at the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), emphasized the need for harmonizing border policies.
“We experienced delays in truck crossings at the border, which led to recommendations for harmonizing border policies. We are requesting an upgrade of the Vurra Border Post to a One Stop Border Post (OSBP),” Agaba explained.
