Uganda’s E-mobility sector is gaining significant momentum, with Kiira Motors Corporation at the forefront of the nation’s push toward a greener, more sustainable future.
At the National E-Mobility Expo 2025 held this week and officiated over by the Minister for Science and Technology, Hon. Monica Musenero, discussions centered on accelerating this journey, affirming that e-mobility is more than just transport; it’s a symbol of sustainability, industrialisation, and national pride.
Fueling a Green Future
Panellists at the Expo, including Irene Birungi Mugisha Ateenyi and Ian King, the Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Uganda, delved into a strategic roadmap for advancing Uganda’s e-mobility agenda.
“I am proud to see Uganda taking bold steps towards e-mobility and green industrialisation at the National E-Mobility Expo,” King said. “Through the E-Mobility Skilling Programme with Kiira Motors and Makerere University, the UNDP is equipping youth with skills for a sustainable future,” he added.
The conversation highlighted key areas for development, including:
Stimulating Local Demand: A crucial step to ensure the viability and growth of the e-mobility market.
Innovative Financing Models: Designing financial solutions that make electric vehicles (EVs) accessible to a wider population.
Securing Business Commitments: Encouraging business leaders to procure and champion locally manufactured EVs to drive large-scale adoption.
The event celebrated the collaborative effort shaping this vision, from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, led by Hon. Monica Musenero, to the determined leadership of Kiira Motors’ Managing Director, Paul Musasizi.
Building Trust, One Vehicle at a Time
Birungi noted that the tangible progress of Kiira Motors is a powerful testament to its mission.
“The company’s recent delivery of premium electric buses to major institutions like Uganda Civil Aviation Authority and Makerere University demonstrates a clear shift from vision to reality,” she observed.
These landmark procurements, according to Birungi, serve as a vote of confidence in Uganda’s E-mobility capabilities and signal a sustainable future where locally-made electric vehicles become a common sight on the nation’s roads.
Technology and Innovation
KMC is at the forefront of Uganda’s technological advancement. The company’s focus on e-mobility and renewable energy-powered vehicles aligns with global trends and positions Uganda as a leader in a rapidly growing sector.
By developing and manufacturing electric buses and other vehicles, KMC is showcasing Uganda’s capacity for advanced engineering and innovation.
Job Creation and Skills Development
The establishment of the Kiira Vehicle Plant in Jinja is a significant step towards creating jobs and fostering skills development.
The factory provides opportunities for engineers, technicians, and other professionals, while also serving as a training ground for a new generation of skilled workers. This helps build a local workforce capable of supporting a modern manufacturing economy.
Local Content and Value Addition
KMC’s business model emphasises sourcing raw materials and components from local suppliers. This approach not only reduces import costs but also creates a demand for local goods and services, stimulating growth in related industries.
By building a robust local supply chain, KMC is driving value addition and strengthening Uganda’s industrial base.
Symbol of National Pride
KMC has become a powerful symbol of Uganda’s ambition and capability. Its flagship projects, such as the Kayoola EVS bus and the solar-powered Kiira EV SMACK, have demonstrated that the country can move from being a consumer to a producer of high-tech goods.
This instils national pride and boosts confidence in Uganda’s ability to achieve its ‘Ten-Fold Growth Ambition’, which aims to industrialise and expand the economy.
The momentum and collaboration witnessed at the Expo suggest a future where Uganda could indeed become a leader in the e-mobility space, proudly driving its own industrial and green transformation.