Driving a car is almost everybody’s dream, especially in a developing country like Uganda. Taking a good look around, almost every youth in their stage of wealth accumulation thinks about buying a car first. Some say they would rather sleep in a rented apartment than live without a car.
Buying a car used to be a long and complex process, but not anymore. Dealing with the right car selling company or individual is essential to avoid fraud and loss of your money to these fraudsters, especially in the areas of Kampala.
In today’s world, car selling companies are placed in almost every corner of the city, making the process of acquiring a car so simple. Most of them offer car loans, giving you a chance to acquire any car model starting at only UGX 5,000,000 or less, as long as you have a stable job to pay the remaining amount in installments every month.
In addition, cars are now so common and widespread. Gone are the days when only a rich man used to own a car in the entire village. Cars are so affordable nowadays. Just go out to the road and check the number plates—people are driving the latest models.
A great percentage of these drivers are women. So, what is your excuse? There is a funny song titled genda ogule emotooka by liy pazo and if you closely think about it, this guy kind of has a point.
So don’t care what others may say or think about you. People always talk. If it’s your passion and you want to buy a car, go for it. Good luck! I hope this article guides you on this “need for speed journey.”
Why Should You Buy a Car?
The answers to this question are endless but quite simple. I’m sure you came here with your own reasons for wanting to buy a car. Hence, I will try to answer this question as simply and briefly as possible. Here are the simple 8 reasons why you should buy a car:
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- Status and Personal Welfare: Have you ever noticed that when one buys a car, suddenly the entire community starts to give him or her a special kind of respect? This is not a mistake or coincidence; it’s simply a superpower that comes with buying a car.
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- To Simplify Transport and Movement: Yes, this is the most obvious reason why you should buy a car. Maybe your place of work is too far and you need a car to simplify movement.
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- To Make an Extra Source of Income: Especially in urban centers like Kampala and Jinja, cars are used as specials, with the most suitable cars for this purpose being Noah, Premio, Wish, among others.
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- For Investment: Cars can be used as a means of investment. Some people simply buy cars as a way to store their money and they later sell these cars.
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- For Leisure and Fun: Cars are great means of leisure, fun, and adventure. Imagine having the power to travel anywhere at any time.
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- For Business Purposes: Many businessmen buy Noah and Alphard cars and then remove all the back seats to later use these cars for transporting their goods either within Kampala or even across countries from Kenya to Uganda.
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- For Wealth Accumulation: Did you know that during the estimation process of one’s net worth, even cars are included? Why do you think celebrities like Bobi Wine and even politicians care so much about the type of car they drive?
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- Gifts for Loved Ones: Yes, some people buy a car with the aim of simply gifting it to a loved one. I mean, I wish I could one day buy my mother a car; she really deserves it.
And these are some of the simple reasons why people buy cars. Of course, everyone has very different reasons, so please, for whatever reason you have for buying a car, make sure you leave a comment with your reason. There are no judgments here, I promise.
Top 10 Commonly Driven Cars in Uganda
These are the most popularly driven car models in Uganda, based on various factors like fuel consumption, seating capacity, car price, car trend, and more. Without further ado, let’s get started.
1. Toyota Premio
The Premio car model takes the first spot on our list of the top 10 commonly driven cars in Uganda. The Premio model is popular among both young and old age demographics due to its low maintenance, easily accessible spare parts, and low fuel consumption.
A new Premio, depending on whether it is an old or new model, is priced at around UGX 25,000,000 to 35,000,000, with factors like mileage, release year, and terms & conditions of the seller influencing the price.
Everything you need to know about the Premio car model:
| Brand | toyota |
| Model | Premo |
| Seats | 4 seats |
| Estmated price | UGX35,000,000-45,000,000 |
Pros of buying Toyota car model
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- It is affordable and the most popular car model in Uganda.
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- It has low fuel consumption.
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- It has low maintenance costs.
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- Spare parts are easily accessible.
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- It has a simple user interface.
Cons of buying Toyota premio model
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- It is so common so there is nothing new about it
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- The new models are quite expensive
2. Toyota Harrier (Kawundo)
The Toyota Harrier takes the second spot on our list. The Harrier is a beauty that comes with a luxurious touch, a firm body, and an easy user interface. This car is more popular among middle-class families in Uganda.
A new Toyota Harrier, depending on whether it’s an old or new model, is priced at around UGX 25,000,000 to 45,000,000, not including the latest models, which can be priced at UGX 60,000,000.
Everything you need to know about the Toyota Harrier:
| Brand | toyota |
| Model | Harrier |
| Seats | 4 seats |
| Estmated price | UGX35,000,000-60,000,000 |
Pros of driving a Toyota harrier
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- Easy user interface
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- Can withstand all road conditions, even in hilly areas
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- It is available countrywide
Cons of driving a Toyota harrier
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- It has a high fuel consumption
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- Some how expensive to maintain
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- Expensive to buy
Toyota Noah
The Toyota Noah has gained popularity among the families of Uganda due to its seating capacity and low maintenance cost. The Toyota Noah is also used among businessmen for transporting their products to different locations because this car model is spacious and has a large carrying capacity compared to other cars except the Alphard.
Everything you need to know about Toyota Noah
| Brand | toyota |
| Model | Noah |
| Seats | 8 seats |
| Estimated price | UGX35,000,000-45,000,000 |
Pros of driving a toyota Noah
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- It has a wide carrying capacity
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- Low fuel consumption
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- Affordable especially in second hand
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- Spare parts are easy to find
Cons of driving a Toyota noah
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- It is not suitable for hilly terrain.
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- The new models are quite expensive.
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- It has a soft body, making it vulnerable to scratches and minor accidents.
Toyota wish
The Toyota Wish is similar to the Noah in that it also has a seating capacity of up to 8 people. The only difference is that it’s smaller and has a more efficient fuel-saving mechanism.
The Toyota Wish is affordable, with a new car starting at UGX 35,000,000 to UGX 40,000,000 depending on various factors. This car is also commonly used as a special or taxi in urban areas.
Everything you need to know about Toyota wish
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Wish |
| Seats | 8 seats |
| Estimated price | UGX35,000,000-40,000,000 |
Pros of driving a Toyota wish
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- It is affordable, especially when bought in second hand
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- It is a fuel saving mechanism
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- Spare parts are available and affordable
Cons of driving a Toyota wish
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- It is not suitable for hilly terrain
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- New models are quite expensive
Toyota Succeed (Probox)
This is also another popular car brand, especially among the youth demographic. It is simple, affordable, and easy to drive. If you take a closer look, Probox cars are mainly used by traders moving from one shop to another, selling their products like electronic accessories or plastics.
Everything you need to know about probox
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | probox |
| Seats | 4 seats |
| Estimated price | UGX35,000,000-40,000,000 |
Pros of buying a Probox:
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- It is affordable.
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- Spare parts are easy to find.
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- It has low maintenance costs.
Cons of buying a Probox:
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- It is not suitable for hilly terrain.
6. Toyota Mark X
Now, this is another beauty of a car, the Mark X. Everyone dreams of buying this car due to its durability and stylish appearance.
Everything you need to know about the Mark X:
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | markX |
| Seats | 4 seats |
| Estimated price | UGX35,000,000-40,000,000 |
Pros of buying a Toyota Mark X:
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- Durable
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- Stylish and luxurious
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- Good performance
Cons of buying a Toyota Mark X:
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- High fuel consumption
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- Expensive to maintain
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- Expensive to buy
7. Toyota Spacio
The Toyota Spacio is a compact car that offers great versatility and comfort. It is popular among small families and individuals who prefer a smaller, fuel-efficient car.
Everything you need to know about the Spacio:
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | spacio |
| Seats | 4 seats |
| Estimated price | UGX35,000,000-40,000,000 |
Pros of driving a Toyota Spacio:
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- Fuel-efficient
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- Compact and easy to drive
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- Affordable maintenance
Cons of driving a Toyota Spacio:
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- Limited seating capacity
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- Not suitable for heavy-duty use
8. Toyota Alphard.
The Toyota Alphard is a luxury minivan favored by business executives and large families for its spacious interior and comfort.
Everything you need to know about the Alphard:
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | alphard |
| Seats | 8 seats |
| Estimated price | UGX35,000,000-40,000,000 |
Pros of driving a Toyota Alphard:
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- Luxurious and comfortable
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- Spacious interior
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- High-quality build
Cons of driving a Toyota Alphard:
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- High fuel consumption
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- Expensive to buy and maintain
9. Toyota Vitz
The Toyota Vitz is a small, economical car that is very popular among new drivers and those looking for a cost-effective vehicle.
Everything you need to know about the Vitz:
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Wish |
| Seats | 8 seats |
| Estimated price | UGX35,000,000-40,000,000 |
Pros of driving a Toyota Vitz:
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- Very fuel-efficient
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- Compact and easy to park
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- Low maintenance cost
Cons of driving a Toyota Vitz:
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- Limited space
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- Not suitable for large families
10. Subaru (Outback, Forester, Legacy)
The Subaru brand is known for its durability and performance. Models like the Outback, Forester, and Legacy are popular in Uganda for their robustness and all-terrain capabilities.
Everything you need to know about Subaru cars:
| Brand | Subaru |
| Models | outback, forestor, legacy. |
| Seats | 4 seats |
| Estimated price | UGX35,000,000-45,000,000 |
Pros of driving a Subaru:
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- Durable and robust
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- Good performance on all terrains
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- Stylish and sporty design
Cons of driving a Subaru:
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- Higher fuel consumption compared to smaller cars
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- More expensive to maintain
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- Higher initial purchase price
Fun Fact: Life is Short, Buy the Car!
Did you know that the average person spends about 4 years of their life waiting? Waiting in lines, waiting for the right moment, and yes, even waiting for the perfect time to buy a car. But here’s the kicker: if you wait too long, you might miss out on all the fun, freedom, and status that come with owning a car.
So why wait to die when you can drive? 
Imagine cruising through town, turning heads, and never having to squeeze into a crowded matatu again. Plus, cars are more than just transportation—they’re the ultimate adventure enablers. From spontaneous road trips to that perfect parking spot right in front of your favorite cafe, a car makes life a whole lot sweeter.
Remember, life is too short to stay stuck in the park. Shift into gear and go get that car! Your future self will thank you, and so will your friends, when you’re the go-to driver for every fun outing. So, don’t wait—drive into your dreams today! 
Conclusion
In Uganda, owning a car has become more accessible and desirable than ever before. Whether you’re looking for the affordability and reliability of a Toyota Premio, the luxurious comfort of a Toyota Alphard, or the rugged performance of a Subaru Forester, there’s a car out there to suit your needs and lifestyle.
Cars are no longer a luxury reserved for the elite but a practical and essential part of daily life, offering freedom, convenience, and even additional income opportunities. As more youths and families prioritize owning a vehicle, it’s clear that the benefits extend far beyond mere transportation.
So, why wait? Embrace the freedom, adventure, and status that come with owning a car. With various financing options and an ever-expanding market, now is the perfect time to make your dream of car ownership a reality. Life is too short to wait—get behind the wheel and start your journey today!
