Tanzania has overtaken China and Kenya to become Uganda’s largest source of imports, driven largely by soaring trade in gold and precious metals, according to Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) data.
The URA Annual Databook 2024/25 shows Uganda imported goods worth Sh56.8 trillion in the financial year ending June 2025, with Tanzania accounting for Sh12.46 trillion, equivalent to 21.9 percent of total imports.
The sharp rise marks a dramatic shift in regional trade patterns, with imports from Tanzania increasing more than tenfold over the past four years. The growth has been linked mainly to gold and precious metals entering Uganda for refining and re-export.
Bank of Uganda Director for Research Adam Mugume said most imports from Tanzania consist of gold, while other products such as rice, account for only a small share.
China ranked second with imports worth Sh10.92 trillion, followed by India, the United Arab Emirates and Kenya.
The report also shows Africa has become Uganda’s leading import region amid expanding regional trade and stronger cross-border integration.