Joseph Olanyo
19 August 2008
Cargo exports through Entebbe International Airport have grown at an annual average of 26.3 per cent compared to 6.5 per cent of imports, indicating that Entebbe is the logistical centre for goods leaving the country especially perishable agricultural commodities.
"Cargo exports by air have grown by leaps and bounds," Mr Ambrose Akandonda, the managing director of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), a body in charge of Uganda's air transport, said. He said 85 per cent of horticultural, agricultural perishables, and minerals go through Entebbe compared to 15 per cent that goes by road and water.
The cargo upsurge has been attributed to increase in international flights, and emerging regional markets. According to statistics from Entebbe Handling Services Limited (ENHAS), exports grew from 26.9 million tonnes in 2006 to 28.5 million tonnes in 2007.
A total of 28.8 million tonnes of cargo exports are expected to through Entebbe by the end of the year. Imports grew from 13.1 million tonnes in 2006 to 22.5 million tonnes in 2007. ENHAS Statistician Mr Sulei Ngobi said the figures do not include cargo handled by Das Cargo and United Nation (UN) missions. "Entebbe has become a busy and business is going up," Mr Ngobi said, adding "The figures are expected to go up".
Exports have continued to do well in response to the government's policy of export diversification and value addition. Statistics show that during the fiscal year that ended June 2007, total exports, including goods and services, was $1.76 billion compared to $1.40 billion recorded in the previous year, an increase of 42 per cent in a single year.
Non-coffee exports (excluding services) increased by 50 per cent from $571 million in 2005/06 to $854 million in 2006/07, while coffee exports increased by 32 per cent from $173 million to $229 million in the same period.
Exports are projected to perform better in 2008 as regional peace and stability is restored and greater trade takes place within the Great Lakes Region.
About 90 per cent of export cargo at Entebbe is handled by ENHAS.
ENHAS Head of Mail and Cargo Aldrin Ocowun said late arrival of shippers and bookings are some of the challenges that delay handling.
He said ENHAS is increasing its off loading points due to increased activity to ease processing of shipper's cargo. "We are increasing our loading points from three to five and we are also bringing in new equipment like cargo stackers," Mr Ocowun said.
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