'Logistics is much bigger than moving cargo from one place to another'

___________________________
🎙️   INTERVIEW 

When a container leaves the port of Mombasa carrying machinery, medicine, raw materials or consumer goods destined for Uganda, the success of its journey depends on planning, coordination and logistics expertise.

For a landlocked country like Uganda, logistics is not only about transporting goods. It connects businesses to global markets, supports manufacturing, enables exports and determines how efficiently products reach consumers.

With Uganda’s growing focus on industrialisation, agriculture exports and regional trade, efficient supply chains have become increasingly important.

Sasi Kumar Nair (pictured below), the managing director of Freight in Time Group Limited, believes the future of Uganda’s trade depends on developing a professional logistics system supported by technology, skilled manpower and better planning. In the interview below, Nair explains the changing logistics landscape, challenges facing businesses and how Uganda can strengthen its position as a regional trade hub.

____________________

 QUESTION   What role does logistics play in Uganda’s economy?

❝Logistics is the backbone of trade because no country produces everything it needs. Every sector depends on the movement of goods, whether it is manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare or construction.

For Uganda, logistics connects businesses to international markets. Raw materials must reach factories, finished products must reach consumers, and exports must move efficiently to buyers outside the country.

A company can invest millions of dollars in production, but if it does not plan its supply chain properly, operations can be affected. Reliable logistics ensures businesses have the right materials at the right time and helps reduce unnecessary costs.

 QUESTION   Many people think logistics is only transportation. Is that so?

❝Logistics is much bigger than moving cargo from one place to another. It involves planning, documentation, customs procedures, warehousing, transportation, technology and understanding international trade systems.

A successful logistics company helps businesses make decisions on the best routes, shipping methods and delivery options. For example, an importer bringing goods through Mombasa needs to understand shipping terms, container management and timelines. Poor planning can lead to extra costs such as container detention charges.

Many businesses lose money because they do not understand these processes. With proper advice and planning, companies can avoid unnecessary expenses.

 QUESTION   How can Ugandan businesses reduce logistics costs?

❝The first step is knowledge. Businesses need to understand how international shipping works and plan their cargo movement early.

They should negotiate properly with service providers, understand shipment terms and choose transportation options that match their needs.

For exporters, especially those dealing in coffee, tea, cocoa, minerals and manufactured products, selecting the right logistics solution is important because transportation costs affect competitiveness in international markets.

Our role is to guide businesses so they can move goods efficiently and reach their customers at a reasonable cost.

 QUESTION   What services does Freight in Time provide to support businesses?

❝Freight in Time provides integrated logistics solutions, including clearing and forwarding, warehousing, transportation and international cargo movement.

We help companies manage their goods from the point of origin until they reach their final destination.

For businesses that do not have storage facilities, we provide warehousing solutions where goods can be kept safely before distribution.

We also support specialised sectors such as pharmaceuticals, where products require careful handling. We have systems to ensure medicines are managed properly, including professional personnel who understand the requirements of pharmaceutical logistics.

Our regional network enables us to move cargo across East Africa and connect Uganda with international markets.

 QUESTION   How important is technology in modern logistics?

❝Technology has completely changed logistics. Today, customers want visibility and information about their cargo at every stage.

Businesses need to know where their shipments are, when they will arrive and whether there are any delays.

At Freight in Time, we are embracing technology, including digital systems that improve tracking, reporting and decision-making. Artificial intelligence and data systems are creating better ways of managing supply chains, reducing delays and improving efficiency.

The future of logistics will depend heavily on technology because businesses want faster and more reliable services.

 QUESTION   Uganda is landlocked. How does this affect logistics?

❝Being landlocked creates additional challenges because Uganda depends on regional corridors such as the route through Mombasa. Any disruption in international shipping, fuel prices or global events can affect transportation costs.

However, Uganda’s location also presents opportunities. The country is strategically positioned within East Africa and can serve as a distribution point for the region.

With improved infrastructure, better systems and professional logistics services, Uganda can strengthen its role in regional trade.

 QUESTION   What challenges continue to affect the logistics sector?

❝The sector faces several challenges, including rising fuel prices, increasing shipping costs, container charges and the need for more skilled professionals.

Global events also affect logistics because international supply chains are connected. When fuel prices rise or there are disruptions in major trade routes, transportation costs increase, and eventually businesses and consumers feel the impact.

Another challenge is the shortage of specialised skills. Logistics requires people who understand international trade, customs procedures, technology and supply chain management.

 QUESTION   How can young people benefit from opportunities in logistics?

❝Logistics offers many career opportunities for young people. It is a sector where someone can start by gaining knowledge and experience before growing professionally.

Young people can build careers in freight forwarding, supply chain management, customs, warehousing, transportation and technology.

At Freight in Time, we invest in training employees because developing local skills is important for the future of the industry. My aim has always been to share knowledge and help people understand how professional logistics systems operate.

 QUESTION   What opportunities do you see for Uganda’s logistics sector in the future?

❝Uganda has many opportunities because every growing sector requires logistics support.

Agriculture exports, manufacturing, oil and gas, infrastructure projects and regional trade will continue increasing demand for efficient supply chains.

The movement of goods within Uganda and across borders will continue growing.

The future will belong to companies and countries that invest in technology, skilled people and reliable systems.

Uganda has the potential to become an important logistics centre in East Africa if businesses, government and industry players continue working together to improve efficiency.