ecommerce fulfillment Uganda

You know that feeling when you are sitting in your house in Kampala, maybe enjoying your evening tea, and browsing through online shops on your phone? You see those nice shoes you have been wanting for weeks, and the price looks good. You quickly press the “order now” button, and then that worry starts creeping in… “Will these shoes actually reach me? Or will they get lost somewhere on those busy Kampala roads?”

This is the exact problem that good delivery companies solve for us Ugandans. With more than 30% of people in our country now buying things online – everything from smartphones and clothes to food and household items – the need for reliable delivery services has never been bigger.

Just last month, my cousin ordered a birthday gift for her daughter from an online shop in Kampala, even though they live in Jinja. The gift arrived the next day, nicely wrapped and in perfect condition. This would not have been possible a few years ago!

Getting packages from the seller to the buyer in Uganda is not easy work. Our roads are busy with traffic, some places are very far, and during rainy season, many areas become hard to reach. But despite these challenges, several companies have come up with innovative logistics solutions that are making online shopping reliable for Ugandans.

In this article, I will take you through the top 5 ecommerce delivery companies working in Uganda in 2025. I have researched them carefully to help you, whether you are a buyer wanting to know which shops use reliable delivery, or a seller looking for the best company to deliver your products. So, let me walk you through what I found!

What Is Ecommerce Delivery and Fulfillment?

Before we go further, let me explain what ecommerce delivery or fulfillment really means. It is the whole process that happens after you click “buy” on an online shop until the moment you receive your package.

First, the items are kept safely in a warehouse or storage facility. When you place an order, workers pick the exact item you want from many similar ones. Then they pack it properly to prevent damage during transport. Finally, they hand it to a delivery person who brings it to your doorstep.

This process sounds simple, but in Uganda, it faces many challenges. In Kampala, traffic jams can delay deliveries for hours. If you live in places like Arua, Kabale, or other distant towns, delivery becomes even more difficult because of the long distances and sometimes poor roads.

The best delivery companies in Uganda have found clever solutions to these problems. Many use boda bodas (motorcycle taxis) to move quickly through Kampala traffic. They also use mobile apps that let you see exactly where your package is. And importantly in major cities like Kampala, they offer “pay on delivery” options, so you only pay when you actually receive your items.

Take my friend David, for example. He runs a small online shop selling phone accessories. When he started, he was delivering everything himself using boda bodas. Now he works with a delivery company that handles everything, from storing his products to delivering them across Kampala, allowing him to focus on growing his business.

Understanding how fulfillment works explains why some companies do this job better than others, and why choosing the right delivery partner matters so much for both shoppers and sellers.

How We Ranked Uganda’s Top Fulfillment Companies

To create this list of the top 5 delivery companies, I looked at what really matters for ecommerce in Uganda. I didn’t just pick the biggest names. I focused on which companies actually solve our unique Ugandan delivery challenges.

Here are the five main factors I considered:

First, coverage area – does the company only deliver in Kampala and maybe Entebbe, or can they reach farther places like Gulu, Mbarara, and even smaller towns? A company that can deliver nationwide is obviously more valuable than one that only serves central Kampala.

Second, delivery speed – how quickly do packages reach customers? Some companies promise same-day delivery in Kampala, while others take several days, especially for upcountry locations. Speed matters a lot for customer satisfaction.

Third, technology use – does the company have a good tracking system? Can customers see where their package is? Do they send SMS alerts? Can online shops easily connect their websites to the delivery service? The best companies make good use of technology.

Fourth, affordability – delivery fees must make sense for both small and large businesses. Some companies charge as little as 3,000 shillings for Kampala deliveries, while others might charge UGX 10,000 or more for the same distance.

Fifth, reliability – this is perhaps the most important factor. Can you trust them not to lose or damage packages? Do they actually deliver when they promise? I talked to many online shop owners and customers to understand which companies are truly dependable.

I also considered Uganda’s unique challenges when making these rankings. Unlike countries with well-developed postal systems, Uganda relies heavily on private delivery companies. Our addressing system is still developing, and many people identify their locations by landmarks rather than street addresses. The best delivery companies have found ways to work around these limitations.

Top 5 Ecommerce Fulfillment Companies in Uganda

Based on the above factors, here are the top 5 ecommerce fulfillment companies operating in Uganda today.

1. Jumia Logistics: Nationwide Ecommerce Leader

Jumia Logistics is the delivery arm of Jumia, the biggest online shopping platform in Uganda. Since their launch in 2014, they have grown impressively and now handle thousands of packages every single day , everything from small items like phone chargers to bigger things like furniture and electronics.

Their main office is in Kampala, but what makes them special is their ability to deliver to almost every corner of Uganda. Whether you live in a busy Kampala suburb or a small trading center in Karamoja, Jumia Logistics has found ways to get packages to you.

They maintain large warehouses, especially their main one in Ntinda, where they store products safely until they are ordered. This is helpful for sellers who don’t have enough storage space.

One thing many Ugandans particularly appreciate about Jumia Logistics is their cash-on-delivery option. This means you can order items and only pay when they arrive at your doorstep. This has helped build trust in online shopping, especially for people who were initially skeptical.

Their mobile app deserves special mention too. It shows real-time updates on where your package is exactly during the delivery process. This eliminates the anxiety many feel when waiting for deliveries.

For online shop owners, Jumia Logistics offers a complete service. They can store your products, pick them when ordered, pack them securely, deliver them to customers, and even handle returns if customers change their minds. This makes life much easier for businesses, as it allows them to focus on marketing and growing their customer base.

Short Notes:

  • Overview: Delivery arm of Jumia, operating since 2014, based in Kampala.
  • Strengths: Nationwide reach, warehouses, cash-on-delivery, real-time tracking app.
  • Services: Storage, picking, packing, delivery, return management.
  • Costs: UGX 3,000 (Kampala), up to UGX 30,000 upcountry.
  • Best For: Big and medium online shops selling nationwide.
  • Contact: +256 800 100 100, customercare@jumia.ug
  • Website: www.jumia.ug/logistics

2. Glovo Uganda: Fast Urban Delivery

Glovo Uganda started as a food delivery service bringing restaurant meals to hungry Kampala residents. But seeing the growth in online shopping, they smartly expanded into ecommerce package delivery in 2023, and they have quickly become one of the fastest options available.

Their operations focus mainly on Kampala, Mukono, Entebbe, and Wakiso areas. What makes them stand out is their amazing speed, sometimes delivering packages in less than 30 minutes! This is possible because they rely primarily on a large fleet of boda bodas that can navigate through Kampala’s notorious traffic jams.

I remember once ordering a Ugaroll on Glovo while I was at a meeting in Bugolobi, and the Glovo rider delivered it within 35 minutes before my meeting even ended. That’s impressive speed that few other companies can match.

Their mobile app is another strong point. It allows you to watch your delivery person moving on a map in real-time, showing exactly how far they are from you. This eliminates the usual anxiety and uncertainty of waiting for deliveries.

Glovo works particularly well for small to medium-sized packages – things like cosmetics, electronics accessories, clothing items, and similar products. Their pricing structure is quite affordable for urban deliveries, making them a good choice for small businesses just starting out.

Unlike Jumia Logistics, Glovo doesn’t offer warehouse services. They’re purely focused on the delivery aspect, so they work best for businesses that already have their own storage solutions and just need reliable last-mile delivery. Many small shops in Kampala have formed partnerships with Glovo, allowing them to offer same-day delivery to their customers without investing in their own delivery staff.

Short Notes:

  • Overview: Kampala-based, started ecommerce delivery in 2023, motorbike-focused.
  • Strengths: 1-2 hour delivery, live tracking app, affordable for cities.
  • Services: Last-mile delivery, cash-on-delivery, small package focus.
  • Costs: UGX 4,000–20,000 per parcel in urban areas.
  • Best For: Small shops needing quick city deliveries.
  • Contact: +256 200 905 090, support.ug@glovoapp.com
  • Website: www.glovoapp.com/ug

3. SafeBoda for Business: Affordable City Logistics

Most Ugandans know SafeBoda for their orange-helmeted boda boda riders offering passenger services. But in recent years, they have cleverly expanded into package delivery with their “SafeBoda for Business” service, becoming a significant player in the ecommerce delivery space.

Their service works through their well-known app, allowing businesses to request delivery riders just as easily as passengers request rides. They focus on Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, and Entebbe areas, where their bright orange uniforms have become a common sight.

What makes SafeBoda particularly attractive for many small businesses is their affordability. Their delivery rates are often lower than competitors, starting from around 2,500 shillings for short distances within the same area of Kampala. This makes them ideal for small online shops that need to keep costs down while still offering delivery.

The real-time tracking through their app is excellent – customers can watch as their package moves through the city. They also support cash-on-delivery payments efficiently, with riders carrying mobile money facilities to handle transactions on the spot.

My neighbor runs a small online boutique selling women’s clothing, and she uses SafeBoda for Business to delivers her orders. She says their affordable rates allow her to offer free delivery for orders above 50,000 shillings, which has significantly increased her sales.

SafeBoda doesn’t offer warehousing, so businesses need their own storage solutions. But for small to medium enterprises that already have storage sorted and just need reliable, affordable delivery within urban areas, SafeBoda for Business has become the go-to choice.

Short Notes:

  • Overview: Boda-boda delivery service, ecommerce focus since 2023, Kampala-based.
  • Strengths: Covers Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, Entebbe, real-time tracking, COD support, motorbike fleet for traffic-heavy Kampala.
  • Services: Last-mile delivery, cash-on-delivery, small parcels.
  • Costs: UGX 2500 per parcel (varies by distance).
  • Best For: Small businesses needing fast urban delivery.
  • Contact: +256 800 250 000, support@safeboda.com
  • Website: www.safeboda.com/ug/business

4. CourieMate: Reliable Last-Mile Specialist

CourieMate has been steadily building a reputation for reliability since they started operations in 2020. Based in Kampala, they have focused specifically on ecommerce deliveries rather than trying to do everything.

Their strength lies in their consistency and careful handling of packages. While not always the fastest or the cheapest, CourieMate has earned trust from both businesses and customers by rarely making mistakes with deliveries – a crucial factor in the ecommerce world.

They mainly use motorbike riders in urban areas to navigate through traffic, but they also maintain a fleet of small vans for larger packages or deliveries to districts outside Kampala. They now cover all major towns in Uganda, though delivery times vary depending on distance.

Their tracking system is straightforward and effective – customers receive a tracking code via SMS that they can use on the CourieMate website or app to check their package status. They also send SMS notifications at key points in the delivery process, such as when the package is picked up from the seller and when it’s on the way to the final destination.

CourieMate has particularly strong cash-on-delivery systems, with proper accounting and quick settlement to merchants, usually within 24-48 hours. This has made them popular with businesses concerned about payment security.

While they don’t offer warehouse services on the scale of Jumia Logistics, they do provide temporary storage solutions for businesses during busy periods like holiday sales. This flexibility has helped them build strong relationships with medium-sized online retailers.

Short Notes:

  • Overview: Kampala-based, started in 2020, focuses on last-mile delivery.
  • Strengths: Fast urban delivery, tracking app, COD support, motorbike fleet.
  • Services: Last-mile delivery, cash-on-delivery, order tracking.
  • Costs: UGX 4,000 per parcel in Kampala.
  • Best For: Medium shops needing reliable urban delivery.
  • Contact: +256 759 000 999, info@couriemate.com
  • Website: www.couriemate.com

5. Boxleo Courier: Growing Fulfillment Network

Boxleo Courier is the newest company on our list, having started operations in 2022, but they’ve quickly established themselves as one of the top players in Uganda’s ecommerce delivery scene. Based in Kampala, they have been aggressively expanding their reach to include more upcountry locations.

What sets Boxleo apart is their focus on comprehensive fulfillment services beyond just delivery. They offer warehousing solutions for online businesses, allowing small retailers to store their inventory professionally without investing in their own facilities. Their main warehouse in Namanve Industrial Park provides secure, organized storage with inventory management systems that help businesses keep track of their stock.

They currently deliver to major towns like Mbale, Gulu, Mbarara, and Jinja, with delivery times ranging from 2-5 days depending on the location. While not the fastest for distant locations, they are known for being dependable and sticking to their delivery promises.

Boxleo has invested in a mixed fleet of vehicles – motorcycles for urban deliveries and small trucks for upcountry routes. This allows them to optimize their delivery methods based on package size and destination.

Their tracking system is somewhat simpler than some competitors, relying on SMS updates and a web-based tracking page rather than a dedicated app. However, their customer service is notably responsive, with a call center that actually answers when customers phone with queries about their deliveries – something surprisingly rare in the industry!

For rural deliveries, Boxleo has developed innovative approaches, including partnerships with local businesses in distant towns who serve as pickup points. This has allowed them to reach areas where door-to-door delivery would be prohibitively expensive or logistically challenging.

Short Notes:

  • Overview: Kampala-based, launched in 2022, expanding upcountry.
  • Strengths: Warehousing, rural reach, COD support, SMS tracking.
  • Services: Storage, picking, packing, delivery, returns.
  • Costs: UGX 5000 per parcel (urban/rural).
  • Best For: Shops needing storage and rural delivery.
  • Contact: +256 772 123 456, support@boxleo.ug
  • Website: www.boxleo.ug

Comparison Table: Uganda’s Top Ecommerce Delivery Companies

When choosing a delivery partner for your online shop, or when deciding which online shops might deliver reliably to you as a customer, it helps to compare these companies side by side. Here’s how they stack up against each other:

Company Coverage Speed Costs (UGX) Best For Tracking
Jumia Logistics Nationwide 1–5 days 8,000–20,000 Big/medium shops, nationwide App
Glovo Uganda Urban (Kampala) Same-day 6,000–12,000 Small shops, city delivery App
SafeBoda 10+ cities Same-day (urban) 5,000–12,000 Small shops, urban delivery App
CourieMate Urban (Kampala+) 1–2 days 7,000–15,000 Medium shops, city delivery App
Boxleo Courier Urban + rural 2–5 days 10,000–25,000 Shops with storage, rural reach SMS/Website

Other Notable Ecommerce Fulfillment Companies in Uganda

While the five companies above stand out as the best options for most ecommerce needs in Uganda, there are several other delivery services worth mentioning. These companies might be better options in specific situations or for particular types of deliveries:

  • Sendy Uganda: Especially good for larger items that require pickup trucks or vans.
  • TNT Deliveries: A smaller operation but known for excellent customer service.
  • Freight in Time: Better for business-to-business deliveries and larger shipments.
  • Aramex Uganda: Good international connections if you’re importing or exporting.
  • Posta Uganda: The national postal service, which has improved in recent years.
  • UPS Uganda: Reliable but more expensive, often used for high-value items.
  • FedEx Uganda: Similar to UPS, good for international shipments.
  • DHL Express: The most reliable option for urgent international deliveries.
  • Wakah Logistics: A newer company specializing in deliveries to eastern Uganda.
  • MTF Fulfillment Center: Offers specialized warehousing for temperature-sensitive products.

How to Choose the Right Ecommerce Fulfillment Partner in Uganda

Selecting the best delivery company for your needs requires careful thought. As someone who has worked with several online businesses in Uganda, I have seen how the right delivery partner can make a huge difference to success.

If you are running a small online shop selling items like phone cases, jewelry, or small electronics mainly in Kampala, you will want something affordable and fast like SafeBoda or Glovo. These services can get your products to customers quickly, sometimes within hours, which leads to happy customers and good reviews.

For businesses selling larger items or serving customers nationwide, Jumia Logistics or Boxleo would be better choices. They have the infrastructure to handle deliveries to distant places like Arua or Kisoro, though at higher costs and longer delivery times.

Ask yourself these key questions when choosing:

Do you need storage space for your products? If you’re operating from home or a small office without much space, companies like Jumia Logistics or Boxleo that offer warehousing services could be what you need.

How far will you be shipping most orders? If most of your customers are in Kampala, speed might be your priority. For nationwide sales, coverage becomes more important than speed.

What can you afford? Delivery fees directly affect your pricing and profits. Some businesses build shipping costs into their product prices, while others charge customers separately for delivery.

What payment methods do your customers prefer? Most Ugandans still prefer cash-on-delivery or mobile money payments, so make sure your delivery partner handles these options efficiently.

It’s also worth talking to other online sellers to hear about their experiences. Last year, I spoke with Sarah who runs an online clothing store. She switched from one delivery company to another after consistent delays, and saw her customer satisfaction ratings improve dramatically within weeks.

Before committing to any long-term contracts, test a company with a few orders first. See how they handle different situations, how responsive their customer service is, and how satisfied your customers are with the delivery experience.

Remember that the right delivery partner doesn’t just transport packages – they represent your business at the crucial moment when customers receive their purchases. Choose wisely!

FAQs: Your Questions About Ecommerce Delivery in Uganda

Many people have questions about how delivery services work in Uganda, especially as online shopping becomes more popular. Here are answers to the most common questions I have heard from both shoppers and sellers:

Which is the cheapest ecommerce delivery service in Uganda?

SafeBoda for Business is generally the most affordable, with rates starting at UGX 2,500 for deliveries within Kampala.

Which company offers the fastest delivery?

Glovo Uganda typically provides the fastest service, often delivering within the same day in Kampala, sometimes in as little as 30 minutes for nearby locations.

Can I ship internationally from Uganda?

Yes, DHL Express (listed under other companies) offers the most reliable international shipping from Uganda, though at higher costs than local delivery.

Do these companies handle returns?

Jumia Logistics and Sendy Uganda have well-established return processes. Others handle returns case-by-case, often with additional fees.

How do I track my package?

All five top companies offer tracking – Jumia, Glovo, SafeBoda, and CourieMate use mobile apps where you can see real-time updates, while Boxleo uses SMS notifications or their website tracking system.

Is cash-on-delivery available everywhere in Uganda?

It’s widely available in major towns and cities, but some remote areas might be limited to pre-payment options, especially for high-value items.

How long does delivery take to places outside Kampala?

Typically 2-5 days, depending on the distance and the specific company. Major towns like Jinja or Entebbe might receive deliveries in 1-2 days, while remote areas could take up to a week.

What happens if my package gets lost?

Policies vary by company. Jumia Logistics and CourieMate offer the strongest protection, with compensation for lost packages. Always check the terms before shipping valuable items.

Can these companies deliver large items like furniture?

Jumia Logistics and Boxleo handle larger items, though with higher fees. Specialized furniture delivery services might be more suitable for very large pieces.

Do I need to register as a business to use these services?

No, most will work with individual sellers, though business accounts might receive better rates for regular shipments.

How do delivery companies find addresses in Uganda without street names?

They rely on landmarks, phone calls to recipients, and local knowledge. More advanced companies like Jumia also use GPS coordinates.

Can I schedule a specific delivery time?

Glovo and SafeBoda offer the most flexible scheduling options, allowing you to request specific delivery windows in urban areas.

What’s the maximum package weight these companies accept?

It varies widely – motorbike-based services like SafeBoda typically limit to 10kg, while Jumia Logistics and Boxleo can handle items up to 50kg or more.

How do I pay for delivery services?

Most accept mobile money, bank transfers, and cash. Business accounts might have credit terms with weekly or monthly settlements.

Can these companies deliver food items?

Yes, though perishables require special arrangements. Glovo is particularly experienced with food deliveries.

Do any of these companies offer package insurance?

Jumia Logistics and CourieMate offer basic coverage included in their fees. Others offer insurance as an add-on service for valuable items.

Can I use these services if I don’t have a registered online shop?

Absolutely! Many small businesses operate through WhatsApp, Instagram or Facebook and still use these delivery services.

How quickly do sellers receive money from cash-on-delivery payments?

It ranges from same-day settlements (SafeBoda) to 3-7 days (some others). This is an important factor for cash flow in small businesses.

Can these services deliver to university campuses and hostels?

Yes, all five companies deliver to major institutions like Makerere University, Kyambogo, and MUBS, though specific delivery points may be designated.

Which company is best for rural deliveries?

Boxleo Courier and Jumia Logistics have the most developed networks for reaching remote areas, though with longer delivery timeframes.

Scaling Your Ecommerce with Uganda’s Best Fulfillment

Running an online shop in Uganda has never been more exciting – or more competitive. While creating a website and posting products might seem like the hard part, many business owners discover that reliable delivery is what truly makes or breaks their success. After all, a beautiful website means nothing if customers never receive what they ordered!

The good news is that companies like Jumia Logistics, Glovo, SafeBoda, CourieMate, and Boxleo are changing the game for Ugandan ecommerce. Each offers different strengths to match different business needs. Jumia leads for nationwide coverage, Glovo and SafeBoda excel in urban speed, CourieMate focuses on reliability, and Boxleo is pioneering delivery to underserved rural areas.

I have seen firsthand how the right delivery partnership transforms businesses. Take James, who started selling locally-made crafts online last year. Initially, he handled deliveries himself, which limited him to just a few orders per day in his immediate area. After partnering with a delivery company, he now ships nationwide and has tripled his monthly sales.

Similarly, my friend Patricia runs a baking business from her home kitchen in Ntinda. By using a reliable delivery service, she has been able to accept orders from across Kampala, completely changing the scale of her business.

For shoppers, these improved delivery options mean more choice, better service, and greater confidence when buying online. Remember when ordering something online in Uganda meant waiting weeks, with no idea when (or if) your package would arrive? Those days are quickly becoming history.

As you consider which delivery service might work best for your needs – whether you’re buying or selling online – think about what matters most to you. Is it speed? Cost? Reliability? Coverage area? The right answer depends on your specific situation.

One thing is certain: online shopping is the future of retail in Uganda, growing every year. The companies that help move packages from sellers to buyers will play a crucial role in that growth. As competition increases, we can expect delivery services to become even faster, more reliable, and more affordable – good news for everyone involved in Uganda’s digital marketplace.

So, what are you waiting for? Your next online purchase or your next online sale is just a few clicks away, and now you know exactly who to trust with delivering it!

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