Uganda's courier and postal industry experienced a slowdown in the first quarter of 2026, with total courier traffic falling to 896,539 items from 994,294 items recorded in the previous quarter, according to the latest data from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
The decline was largely driven by reduced intercity and international deliveries despite growth in some domestic segments of the market.
Domestic courier traffic increased to 828,061 items from 755,019 recorded in the previous quarter, reflecting continued demand for local parcel delivery services. Meanwhile, Posta Uganda's Express Mail Service (EMS) traffic rose to 3,511 items from 3,243.
Regional courier services also registered growth, increasing to 9,871 items from 8,676.
However, international courier traffic dropped significantly to 25,512 items from 32,116, while intercity courier traffic declined to 102,626 items from 122,196.
The slowdown in courier activity was reflected in the sector's financial performance.
According to the UCC report, gross postal and courier revenue declined to Shs12.7 billion in the first quarter of 2026, down from Shs14.5 billion recorded in the final quarter of 2025.
The latest figures point to changing dynamics within Uganda's delivery and logistics market, where growth in domestic and regional parcel movement was insufficient to offset declines in international and intercity shipments.
While the sector remains a key pillar supporting e-commerce, trade and communication services, the first-quarter results suggest operators are facing market pressures that have weighed on both traffic volumes and revenues.
Despite the downturn, demand for courier services remained substantial, with nearly 900,000 items handled across the country during the quarter, highlighting the continued importance of postal and delivery services in Uganda's economy.
