May 15, 2025 – Edward Sentongo, Senior Logistics Officer, has played a pivotal role in the Logistics Department at Ugacof – Sucafina’s sister company in Uganda – for over 24 years. We spoke with him about his role, the evolution of the logistics landscape and his advice for anyone considering a career in the field.
Edward started his career as a teacher, but his love for travel and drive for action soon led him into the world of transport and logistics. He built his logistics expertise across East Africa as a Logistics Clerk and Forwarder before joining Ugacof as a Logistics Officer in 2001. He has been a cornerstone of the team ever since.
Edward’s role goes far beyond phone calls and coordination. He sources and positions containers, tracks forwarder schedules, oversees third-party loading and ensures every shipment rolls out on time. "Containers don’t just show up," he says. "They’re scheduled, monitored and checked at every stage to ensure smooth roll-out."
One of the most critical, and often overlooked, aspects of Edward’s job is securing containers during peak season. "Getting one early can make or break your timeline. It’s a race before the real race even starts," he explains.
Over the past two decades, Edward has witnessed Uganda’s logistics landscape evolve significantly. “In the past, we relied on manual paperwork and in-person processing,” he says. "Today new systems and technologies, offering real-time tracking, shared portals and faster customs clearance, have made it a smoother, smarter ride."
Ask Edward for his favorite moment on the job, and he doesn’t hesitate: "When the container doors are sealed and the truck is heading to Mombasa – especially in cases where robust coordination was needed. It’s like scoring a quiet goal. You know the client’s happy, the team’s proud and the coffee is on its way."
Edward takes pride not only in the logistics evolution that has shaped Ugacof into a leading exporter, but also in mentoring colleagues – some of whom joined as interns and are now key members of the team. "I’m truly grateful for the opportunity and support I’ve received over the years," he reflects.
His advice to those starting out in logistics? "Be flexible. Be patient. Communicate. Sometimes, things go wrong: it’s how you handle it that defines you," he says. This mindset has guided him through 24 years in the industry.
Thanks to Edward’s resilience and precision, every Ugacof shipment moves with care, quality and purpose.