Our History
Our Legacy: The Evolution of BEMUGA Group
BEMUGA Group traces its origins to the mid-1990s as a modest customs clearance and brokerage
house. Founded in 1996 by Dr. Ben Mugasha, the business began its journey under the name
Cargo Masters, operating from the heart of Kampala. Initially focused solely on customs
services, the company steadily grew in scope and ambition—laying the foundation for what is
today BEMUGA Group.
In its early years, Cargo Masters played a pioneering role in Uganda’s mining logistics
sector, supporting gold exploration projects in Karamoja, North Eastern Uganda. Although
those initial ventures were short-lived, they marked the company’s first foray into the
extractives industry. The experience shaped a deep understanding of project and contract
logistics, earning trust from major clients such as:
- Saracen Security – Guard services
- Uganda Telecom Ltd – Telecommunications
- Sarajevo Construction – Infrastructure development
- Uganda Bata – Manufacturing and distribution
- Branch Energy – Mining and energy operations
Driven by market demand, the company broadened its service offerings to include:
- Sea and Air Freight
- Overland Freight Forwarding
- Vessel and Aircraft Charters (Cargo and Personnel)
- In-field Logistics and Support Services
By 1997, although the gold exploration projects had concluded, the founders’ determination
endured. Building on their experience in mining logistics, they pivoted to a new frontier:
Oil and Gas. Some directors joined hands in launching Heritage Oil and Gas, one of the first
firms to obtain modern exploration licenses in Uganda. Naturally, Cargo Masters was chosen
once again to provide trusted logistics support.
Recognizing the increasing scale and specialization of their work, the company underwent a
strategic transformation. In 1999, BEMUGA Forwarders Ltd was incorporated, formally
succeeding Cargo Masters. This new chapter marked the Group’s full entry into integrated
logistics, particularly within Uganda’s burgeoning oil and gas industry. Over the years,
BEMUGA has supported nearly every major IOC (International Oil Company) operating in the
country—offering turnkey solutions and earning accolades for service excellence.
From 2012 to 2014, BEMUGA transitioned into an asset-based model, investing in its own fleet
of transport, lifting, and construction equipment. This evolution led to the establishment
of BEMUGA Heavy Equipment Ltd, expanding the Group’s capabilities and resilience.
By 2016, the need for deeper specialization and cohesive identity inspired a reorganization.
BEMUGA Group was born—uniting multiple companies under one brand while maintaining focused
service verticals:
- BEMUGA Forwarders Ltd (BFL) – 3PL and 4PL Logistics Solutions
- BEMUGA Heavy Equipment Ltd (BHE) – Heavy Machinery Rental & Hire
- BEMUGA Transport Ltd (BTL) – Transport Management Services
- BEMUGA Heavy Lift Ltd (BHL) – Specialized Lifting Solutions
Today, BEMUGA Group stands as a leader in logistics and project support services, driven by
experience, integrity, and a deep commitment to operational excellence across Uganda and
beyond.