This study investigated the effect of customs clearance efficiency on procurement lead time, focusing on Maersk Freight Forwarders and selected importers operating in Kampala, Uganda. Efficient customs clearance is a critical component of supply chain management, as delays at border points significantly affect procurement planning, inventory management, and overall organizational performance. The study employed a cross-sectional quantitative research design, using structured questionnaires administered to procurement and operations staff directly involved in customs processes. The sample comprised 80 respondents selected through stratified random sampling to ensure proportional representation across staff categories. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to summarize respondents’ perceptions and inferential statistics, including Pearson correlation and multiple regression, to assess relationships between documentation efficiency, customs inspection procedures, ICT adoption, and procurement lead time. The findings indicated that documentation efficiency significantly reduced procurement delays, while risk-based inspection procedures and adoption of electronic systems, such as ASYCUDA World, enhanced clearance speed and accuracy. Regression analysis revealed that ICT adoption had the strongest influence on reducing procurement lead time, followed by improvements in inspection efficiency and documentation accuracy. The study concludes that customs clearance efficiency is a critical determinant of procurement lead time, and that improvements in documentation processes, inspection procedures, and ICT systems can substantially enhance procurement performance. Recommendations include continuous staff training, adoption of advanced electronic tracking systems, and stronger coordination between customs authorities and freight forwarders to streamline processes. The study contributes to knowledge on trade facilitation and supply chain efficiency in Uganda, offering practical insights for freight forwarding companies, importers, and policymakers seeking to enhance trade competitiveness.