Jacaju (Jaguar Carriers Junior Limited) is the leading provider of shipping and clearing and forwarding services in Uganda. It has several branches outside the country such as in Dubai, Kigali, Los Angeles, China, Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, Bujumbura, DRC.
We spoke to Mr.Joseph Mirindi the country director Jacaju who told us about their work.
Monday Times: Good afternoon Mr.Joseph. We are interested in knowing what Jacaju does. Can you share for our readers to know?
Mr.Joseph Mirindi: We are basically involved in the shipping business and we also do clearing and forwarding which goes hand in hand with shipping. We do international clearing and we do this clearing where the containers reach. We do door to door and work from the ports of loading, through the ports of discharge to the final destination.For Uganda’s case we are in Malaba, Mutukula and other in land ports of entry or exit.
Monday Times: So what exactly does clearing and forwarding entail?
Mr.Joseph Mirindi: It entails payment of taxes, payment of transporters and freight companies and the logistics involved.
Monday Times: Interesting. So considering that some other people may be doing this business, how different are you from others who do so?
Mr.Joseph Mirindi: We are very customer friendly, and efficient. We are also very experienced, having done this work for the last 25 years.
Monday Times: Good to know this. So do you do mobile services, where someone up country can contract you without coming here?
Mr.Joseph Mirindi: Well we can do so at the level of communication. But at some point we need him to appoint a representative because there are many things that require a person physically.
Monday Times: Okay. Any specific requirement someone must have before you do this work for him?
Mr.Joseph Mirindi: Yes. One item that is a must have, is the Tax Identification Number (TIN). Without that it is difficult to ship for someone or clear and forward their items. And we need it even before we start any work.
Monday Times: Interesting. So how are your prices like?
Mr.Joseph Mirindi: They are affordable and depend on the service that you need.
Monday Times: Now how sure is someone that their goods that they are shipping and clearing are safe in your hands?
Mr.Joseph Mirindi: Well, we have good security at every stage. For example before the goods are loaded we have Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Cameras at the ports of loading. We also have scanners to scan and present to authorities.
Besides this we have very reliable transporters. These ensure that the goods reach their destination within the time frame agreed.
We also use seals and padlocks to secure the items. We also employ reliable staff at ICD (customs bonded warehouses) during the time of opening the containers.
Monday Times: So where are you located?
Mr.Joseph Mirindi: We are located in Room No.5, 3rd Floor, Mabirizi Complex near Shell Kampala Road.
Monday Times: What phone numbers do you use for business?
Mr.Joseph Mirindi: 0779580989/0754959916/+8613922272110
