Japanese used cars are popular in Uganda because they are right-hand drive, well built and easy to find parts for. Before you pick a model, remember Uganda’s rule: a car that is 15 years or older, counted from its year of manufacture, cannot be imported.
Key takeaways
- Uganda bans vehicles 15 years or older from the year of manufacture (as of October 2026).
- A 2026 bill to cut the limit to 13 years was withdrawn in April 2026, so 15 years still applies.
- Popular choices include the Toyota Sienta, Noah, Fielder, Rumion and Ractis, the Subaru Impreza and the Mitsubishi Outlander.
- Cars are inspected in Japan by a UNBS-appointed company (in Japan, EAA) before shipping.
Why Ugandan buyers choose Japanese cars
Uganda drives on the left, so Japan’s right-hand-drive cars fit local roads.
Japanese makes such as Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Subaru and Mitsubishi are common, so mechanics know them and parts are easy to find in most towns. Japanese used cars are also sold with clear paperwork: an export certificate and, often, an auction sheet that records the car’s condition.
Uganda’s age rule in plain words
Uganda does not allow vehicles that are 15 years or older, counted from the year of manufacture, under the Traffic and Road Safety Act.
In 2026 a bill proposed cutting the limit to 13 years. Parliament’s committee recommended keeping 15 years, and the bill was withdrawn on 21 April 2026. So the 15-year rule still applies as of October 2026.
Older vehicles also pay an age-based environmental levy. The rates are set by the government; use the Uganda Revenue Authority calculator for your car. For the full process, read our Uganda import rules hub and how to import a car from Japan to Uganda.
Will my car be allowed into Uganda?
Popular Japanese models in Uganda
These are models often seen on Ugandan roads and asked about by buyers. The list is not a sales ranking; choose by your own needs and check the year of manufacture.
| Model | Type | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Sienta | Compact MPV, up to 7 seats | Families, city driving |
| Toyota Noah | Minivan, 7–8 seats | Large families, passenger transport |
| Toyota Fielder | Station wagon | Families and small businesses |
| Toyota Rumion | Tall compact wagon | Interior space in a small car |
| Toyota Ractis | Compact tall hatchback | City driving |
| Toyota Vitz | Small hatchback | First car, city use |
| Subaru Impreza | Hatchback (Impreza Sports) or sedan | Drivers who want AWD |
| Subaru Legacy B4 | Sedan | Highway comfort; AWD |
| Mitsubishi Outlander | SUV | Mixed and rough roads |
Some of these models are no longer made. The Rumion and Ractis ended in the mid-2010s and the Vitz was replaced by the Yaris in 2020, so look for the newest cars that meet the rule.
Browse our stock of 2013-and-newer cars as a safe starting point, or search by model, for example the Toyota Sienta or Toyota Noah. The filter uses first registration in Japan, so ask us to confirm the year of manufacture before you pay.
How the import process works
The steps are simple when you know them.
- Choose a car that meets the 15-year rule and check its auction sheet.
- Pay by bank transfer to Autocom Japan Inc’s account in Japan.
- Inspection in Japan: the car is inspected by a UNBS-appointed company (in Japan, EAA) under standard US 845.
- Shipping: most cars for Uganda commonly land at Mombasa and travel by road through the Malaba or Busia border; some go via Dar es Salaam. Ask our team for the current schedule.
- Clearing: a licensed clearing agent lodges the entry with URA. You need your URA TIN, ID, the bill of lading, invoice, export certificate and inspection certificate.
- Registration: once duties are paid, the car can be registered.
See the full list in our import documents checklist.
What to check before you buy
- The year of manufacture, not only the registration year.
- The auction sheet grade and repair marks. Our auction sheet guide explains them.
- That the car can pass the pre-export inspection (no major damage or leaks).
- The full landed cost. Duty, levy and fees are set by URA.
Pay only to a bank account in Japan in the name “Autocom Japan Inc”. Our guide on how to avoid scams explains the warning signs.
Find more model guides in our car guides, including Toyota and Subaru.
Frequently asked questions
What is the age limit for importing a car to Uganda in 2026?
Vehicles 15 years or older, counted from the year of manufacture, cannot be imported. A proposal to cut it to 13 years was withdrawn in April 2026.
Who inspects cars for Uganda in Japan?
A UNBS-appointed inspection company carries out the pre-export check. In Japan, this is EAA Co., Ltd.
Which port do Uganda cars arrive at?
Most arrive at Mombasa and continue by road into Uganda. Some go through Dar es Salaam.
Is the Toyota Noah allowed in Uganda?
Yes, if it is under 15 years old from its year of manufacture.
