Guide for Warehouses for Rent and Sale in Kampala Uganda

Kampala is Uganda’s commercial capital and the gateway for regional trade across East and Central Africa. With the rise of e-commerce, manufacturing, and large-scale imports and exports, the demand for warehouses for rent and warehouses for sale in Kampala Uganda has never been higher. From bonded facilities to custom-built industrial warehouses, the right choice of location and partner is critical for business success.
Why Warehousing in Kampala is Essential
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Strategic Location: Kampala sits at the heart of Uganda’s road and rail networks, linking to Kenya’s Mombasa Port, Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam Port, and markets in South Sudan, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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Import & Export Gateway: Warehouses in Kampala are the backbone of Uganda’s trade, serving importers, exporters, and local distributors.
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Growing Demand: The rapid rise of e-commerce, agro-processing, and industrialization has created strong demand for modern warehouses.
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Business Continuity: Warehouses protect goods, reduce losses, and enable timely distribution to both local and regional markets.
Government Efforts and Policies
Uganda’s government plays a major role in shaping the warehousing sector:
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National Industrial Policy 2020–2030: Focuses on industrial parks, free zones, utilities, and support infrastructure such as warehouses and bonded facilities.
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Warehouse Receipt System (WRS): Allows licensed warehouses to issue receipts recognized by banks as collateral, helping businesses access credit. The WRS Amendment Bill 2024 seeks to digitize and strengthen the system.
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Transport & Logistics Policy: The National Transport and Logistics Policy & Strategy (NTLPS) emphasizes better highways, customs integration, and logistics corridors.
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Infrastructure Projects: The Kampala–Jinja Expressway will cut travel time from the port, boosting efficiency for warehouses along the corridor.
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Public–Private Partnerships: Government encourages private sector participation in industrial parks and logistics parks through incentives and investment-friendly regulations.
Types of Warehouses in Kampala
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General Storage Warehouses – FMCG, bulk goods, and construction materials.
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Bonded Warehouses – Licensed by Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) for imports awaiting tax clearance.
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Cold Storage Warehouses – Perishables like food, pharmaceuticals, flowers, and dairy.
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Distribution Centers – Positioned along highways and bypasses for nationwide delivery.
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Custom-Built Warehouses – Tailor-made facilities for manufacturers, exporters, and multinationals.
Best Locations for Warehouses in Kampala
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Industrial Area: Central, with mid-sized warehouses and close proximity to URA headquarters in Nakawa, ideal for bonded storage.
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Namanve Industrial Park (Jinja Road): Uganda’s flagship industrial hub, with well-defined road networks, 3-phase power lines, and URA presence, making it the top choice for large-scale warehousing.
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Luzira & Port Bell: Ideal for import-linked warehouses due to Lake Victoria access and nearby customs offices.
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Ntinda & Nakawa: Suited for city distribution and last-mile logistics; Nakawa also hosts URA’s main offices.
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Kawempe: Along the Northern Bypass, great for FMCG, food, and regional distribution to Gulu and Hoima.
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Nalukolongo (Masaka Road): Heavy-duty warehouses and factories supported by 3-phase power and access to Western Uganda.
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Entebbe Road & Airport Corridor: Warehouses serving Entebbe International Airport, perfect for high-value or time-sensitive goods.
Accessibility and Infrastructure
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Jinja Road Highway: The backbone of Uganda’s trade, linking Kampala to Mombasa Port. The Kampala–Jinja Expressway will improve efficiency further.
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Internal Roads: Parks like Namanve and Nalukolongo provide well-paved internal road networks for heavy trucks.
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3-Phase Power Supply: Available in major industrial zones, vital for cold storage and manufacturing.
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Proximity to URA: Warehouses near URA offices (Nakawa, Namanve, Luzira, Entebbe) enjoy faster clearance for bonded goods.
Warehousing Companies in Kampala Uganda
When searching for warehousing companies in Kampala Uganda, businesses will find a mix of global players and local providers.
While these companies offer warehousing services, Kawe Realtors stands out by helping clients compare, secure, and invest in the best warehouses for rent and sale in Kampala. Unlike operators tied to their own facilities, we represent your interests — ensuring you get strategic locations, competitive pricing, and properties aligned with URA compliance and government incentives.
The Future of Warehousing in Kampala
Demand for warehouses in Kampala Uganda is expected to keep rising, driven by:
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Growth of regional trade.
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Expansion of industrial parks.
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Adoption of smart warehouses with automation.
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Eco-friendly, solar-powered facilities.
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Integrated logistics parks combining storage, offices, and showrooms.
This guide for warehouses for rent and sale in Kampala Uganda shows how government policies, WRS frameworks, infrastructure, and leading companies shape the sector. From Namanve Industrial Park to Kawempe, Luzira, Nalukolongo, and Entebbe Road, Kampala offers diverse opportunities for warehousing investors.
At Kawe Realtors, we connect clients to the best warehouses for rent in Kampala and warehouses for sale in Kampala Uganda, offering expertise on government compliance, URA processes, and industrial growth trends.
Call/WhatsApp: +256 782 732 572 for professional warehouse solutions in Kampala.