By Mulengera Reporters
The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has given owners of goods that have exceeded the statutory clearance and warehousing period at the Mombasa Port and Naivasha Customs Warehouse 30 days to clear their goods, warning that unclaimed consignments will be sold through public auction.
The notice, first published on social media on July 29, 2026, was issued pursuant to Section 42(1) of the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA), 2004.
URA Commissioner Customs Asadu Kigozi Kisitu called on owners of the affected goods to settle all requisite taxes, fees, penalties, fines and other charges that have accrued and remove their goods within the 30-day period.
“All the goods that remain un-cleared after 30 days from the first publication of this notice shall be disposed of by way of public auction,” URA said.
The authority said the auction process will be conducted online through the automated customs auction system, with the terms and conditions of sale, user guide and list of auction items available through the URA customs auction platform.
URA cautioned prospective buyers that the goods will be sold on an “as is” basis.
Motor vehicle charges outlined
URA also provided indicative one-off storage and Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) charges for clearing motor vehicles from Mombasa and Naivasha.
The charges, denominated in US dollars but payable in Kenyan shillings at the prevailing exchange rate, include $250 for cars up to 15 cubic metres, $350 for cars above 15 cubic metres, $600 for prime movers or trucks and $1,000 for trailers.
An additional $140 UNBS charge will apply to motor vehicles.
For cargo held in Naivasha, URA said additional charges for UNBS, railway transport and port handling will apply.
Successful bidders will also be required to pay applicable motor vehicle registration fees in accordance with prevailing registration rates.
Auction viewing and bidding dates
URA said online viewing of the auction items will run from August 31 to September 5, 2026, while the actual bidding process will take place from September 7 to September 12, 2026.
The authority urged interested members of the public to access the auction information and relevant terms and conditions through the official customs auction platform.
URA also reminded importers whose goods are eventually auctioned that they may be entitled to any remaining proceeds from the sale after settlement of applicable taxes, charges and other obligations.
Such importers are required to submit a formal application to the Commissioner Customs requesting reimbursement of any remaining proceeds within one year from the date of the auction, in accordance with Section 42(5) of EACCMA, 2004.
The notice is part of URA’s efforts to enforce customs clearance and warehousing requirements while disposing of goods that remain unclaimed beyond the legally prescribed period. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
