Shipping from China to Uganda: air vs sea
Uganda has no sea port, so every sea shipment lands in Mombasa (Kenya) or Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) and continues by road. That is why air is fast and sea is slow but cheaper for heavy goods.
| Air | Sea (shared container) | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical time | 5–7 days to Entebbe; 9–11 days door to door | 35–45 days to Kampala, plus 3–5 days for consolidation |
| Price basis | Per kg (actual or volume weight, whichever is greater) | Per cubic metre (minimum 1 m³) |
| Market range | About US$4–10 per kg airport to airport | About US$320–420 per m³ |
| Best for | Light, urgent or valuable goods | Heavy or bulky goods |
Sources: DTFU Logistics, Dantful, Kiseroo shipping guide, DTFU Logistics. Prices change weekly; your quote fixes the price.
What slows sea shipments down
- Port dwell time at Mombasa has been reported at about 107 hours on average, more than twice the 48-hour target (The Standard (Kenya)).
- Road transit from Mombasa to Kampala takes about four days, longer with border delays at Malaba (The Star (Kenya)).
- Missing paperwork, especially UNBS PVoC certificates, can hold goods at the border (SGS on UNBS 2026 standards).
How we plan dates
We ship on scheduled departures and give you a delivery window, not a guess, then show every step on your private tracking page.
Questions
How long does air freight from China to Uganda take?
About 5–7 days to Entebbe airport and about 9–11 days door to door, including clearance.
How long does sea freight from China to Kampala take?
About 35–45 days for a full container via Mombasa or Dar es Salaam, plus 3–5 days for a shared container (LCL).
Which port is used for goods to Uganda?
Mombasa in Kenya or Dar es Salaam in Tanzania; goods then travel by road to Uganda.
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Last updated 2026-11-12. Rates and rules change: we confirm every number on your quote before you pay.