New Mombasa port charges draw outrage from Uganda importers

Kampala

Importers in Uganda are outraged following an increase in cargo handling tariffs by the Kenya Ports Authority.

According to a communication from KPA-Mombasa offices, there will be a 5 per cent increase for loading and discharging of Saloon, Station Wagon and Vans (not exceeding 1.5 tonnes) effective March 15.

This means importers will now pay $73.50 (Sh6339) up from the current $70 (Sh6037) for the above vehicles.

NOT CONSULTED

In an interview with the Daily Monitor, Ms Jennifer Mwijukye, the managing director of Unifreight, a cargo handling and freight-forwarding company, said they were not consulted about the new changes.

“We were not consulted as users of the port who contribute to 75 per cent of the transit cargo in the port,” Ms Mwijukye said.

In the new plan, tariffs for handling of self-propelled units at the Container Freight Station (CFS)-Shore Handling Saloon, Station Wagon, Vans and Cars (not exceeding 1.5 tonnes) have also gone up to $83.50 (Sh7201) from $80 (Sh6900), indicating a 4.4 per cent increment.

Additionally, self-propelled units (imports or exports) for the above mentioned cars will also attract a $67.50 (Sh5821) tariff up from $65 (Sh5606), indicating 4 per cent increase.

EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY

“The new tariffs were made in accordance to the changes in the operations of the business environment and are aimed at making the current tariff more competitive,” a KPA communication said.

Kampala City Traders Association spokesperson Issa Ssekitto said:

“It’s so disappointing that all these years as stakeholders; we are still not consulted when tariffs are being reviewed.

“We thought being part of the East African Community, we would have a big say in the operations of the port,” Mr Ssekitto said.