We import cars from Japan for a living, and we've watched too many people get burned by things nobody told them. So we wrote it all down. Free guides, verified vehicle history, spare-parts sourcing, and a short list of the dealerships, markets and garages we'd actually send our own family to.
Never imported a car before? This is the whole journey — from "I have savings and I want a car" to "it's registered in my name" — including the costs nobody warns you about after the car reaches Kampala.
| Item | What it is | Indicative cost |
|---|---|---|
| Registration, plates & forms | URA vehicle registration, number plates and transfer paperwork | ≈ UGX 1,553,000 |
| Third-party insurance | Legal minimum cover, paid annually | from ≈ UGX 50,000 / yr |
| Comprehensive insurance (optional) | Typically priced as a percentage of vehicle value | ≈ 3–5% of value / yr |
| Pre-road service | Fluids, filters, battery check, tyres after weeks at sea | UGX 200,000 – 600,000 |
| Tracker (optional, often required for comprehensive cover) | GPS tracking installation | UGX 300,000 – 700,000 |
Most Japanese cars in Kampala's bonds were graded by independent inspectors before they ever left Japan. That record still exists — and you can see it before you pay a single shilling.
Japanese auction records capture the true mileage at export. If the dashboard says 78,000 km but the record says 145,000 km — you just saved yourself millions.
Auction grades like R or RA mean repaired accident damage. A clean repaint can hide a chassis pull — the auction sheet doesn't.
A verified report either confirms you're getting a fair deal — or gives you the evidence to negotiate the price down, or walk away with confidence.
It's stamped on the vehicle and written on the logbook or import papers. Send it to us — we do the rest, usually within hours.
Independent verification of any Japanese-imported vehicle — mileage, auction grade, accident record and condition notes — delivered to your WhatsApp before you commit.
Genuine parts from Japan and Dubai are closer than you think. These are the suppliers we use ourselves — we publish the list openly because you can check them yourself. And if you'd rather not gamble on shipping and customs, tell our sourcing desk what you need and we'll quote one landed price to Kampala.
Established online stores that ship to Uganda. Listed for your independent use — prices, stock and shipping are theirs, not ours.
Huge genuine-parts catalogue searchable by chassis/VIN, ships worldwide via DHL/UPS. Strong for Toyota, Nissan and Lexus OEM parts.
Deep catalogue for Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Subaru, Mitsubishi and other Japanese marques. Good structured OEM search.
24-hour international dispatch; strongest on German and American brands alongside Japanese lines.
Mixed genuine and quality-aftermarket catalogue with online ordering and worldwide shipping.
Wide catalogue with European supply lines — useful when a part is scarce in the Gulf.
Buying directly? Remember: the sticker price is not the landed price. International courier fees plus URA import duties on parts can add materially to the cost — factor both before comparing with Kampala prices.
Tell us the part and the vehicle. We source it from our vetted suppliers in Japan and Dubai and quote you one clear price — part, shipping and taxes included, delivered to Kampala. No surprises.
A short list, on purpose. Kampala has hundreds of parts shops and garages; these are the ones we'd send our own clients to. We verify details before adding anyone, and we take listings down if they stop deserving the spot. Last reviewed July 2026.
The official manufacturer channels. The most expensive option — and the right one for warranty work, genuine parts with traceability, and complex diagnostics.
Exclusive authorized distributor of new Toyota vehicles, genuine Toyota parts and manufacturer-standard servicing. Formerly Toyota Uganda Ltd.
Manufacturer-authorized distributor of new Suzuki vehicles, genuine parts and aftersales service, under CFAO Mobility Uganda.
Authorized Nissan dealership (Kjaer Group) — new vehicle sales, genuine parts, fleet solutions and manufacturer-standard aftersales.
Sole official distributor for Mercedes-Benz in Uganda since 1974 — sales, genuine parts and specialist repairs.
Kia, Hyundai & Mitsubishi official channels — being verified before listing.
Suggest a listing →Where most of Kampala actually buys — new aftermarket and clean second-hand parts at real-world prices. Our honest rule for these markets: know the exact part number if you can, inspect before paying, and ask for a fitting guarantee in writing.
The city's legendary parts hub. If a part exists for a Japanese car, someone in Kisekka has it or knows who does. Prices are the best in town, but go with someone who knows the market — and always test electrical parts before you leave the stall.
Long-established supplier of service, engine, suspension and body parts for passenger cars, 4WDs and light trucks.
Ugandan online parts store — shocks, brake pads, bushes, tyres, rims and service items — with delivery.
More vetted stores are being added — including Ndeeba and Katwe specialists.
Suggest a store →The hardest list to build honestly — and the one that matters most day to day. We are personally vetting garages by specialty (Toyota hybrid systems, Subaru, diesel, bodywork) before listing them. If you run or know a garage that deserves to be here, tell us.
Curated garage listings coming soon — vetted for workmanship, honest billing and warranty on repairs.
Nominate a garage →Vehicle finance companies, bonds, dealerships and fleet operators: we provide the verification and logistics layer behind your business.
Verified Japanese auction history for every vehicle you finance or stock — protecting your loan book and your reputation. Volume pricing, fast turnaround, reports branded for your workflow.
End-to-end sourcing, shipping and clearing for multiple units — with auction-grade selection so every vehicle in your consignment is worth its landed cost.
Freight, cargo movement and staff transport for organisations — structured contracts, disciplined scheduling, and a single accountable partner.
Ask us anything about buying, importing, verifying or maintaining a vehicle in Uganda. If we don't know the answer, we'll ask around and get back to you — usually the same day.
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