Cabinet has approved a -13 member Board of Directors for Uganda’s Automotive Industry flagship Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) to ensure good corporate governance as the company is set to produce vehicles made in Uganda at a commercial level.
Announcing the Cabinet decisions , Minister of ICT and National Guidance , Ms. Judith Nabakooba said that the 13 membership – strong board which was presented by the Minister of Science Technology and Innovation , (MoSTI) , Dr. Elioda Tumwesigye , was approved by cabinet on Monday this week.
Nabakooba said the board includes, Prof. Sandy Stevens Tickodri who is the Executive Chairman of Kiira Motors, Mr. David Omara Oleke Obong Permanent Secretary MoSTI, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe -the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University ,Mr. Yusuf Kiranda Ag. Makerere university Secretary , Mr. Paul Isaac Musasizi- the CEO KMC, Mr. Basil Ajer- Director at MoSTI, Rev. Sister Mary Grace Akiror, Ms. Aisha Naiga, Eng. Henry Alinaitwe, Ms. Christine Sekyana, Mr. Ronald Rwankangi, Ms. Yudaya Babirye and Dr. Charles Barugahare.
According to Nabakooba, cabinet agreed that the new Board-the first to be set up for Kiira Motors -the national company that is championing green mobility technologies in Africa will among others , steer and set strategic direction with regard to both the company’s strategy and the way in which specific governance areas are to be approached, addressed and conducted.
The Board will also ensure accountability for the performance of Kiira Motors Corporation by means of reporting and disclosure; Oversee and monitor the implementation and execution of the Board Decisions by the Executive Management.
Kiira Motors Corporation is a State Enterprise established to champion value addition in the nascent Motor Vehicle Industry in Uganda through Technology Transfer, Contract Manufacturing and Supply Chain Localization.
The Shareholders of Kiira Motors Corporation are the government of Uganda represented by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation with 96% shareholding and Makerere University which has 4% shares .
Company executives at KMC welcomed the move by Cabinet to approve the new Board of Directors and said that building the Indigenous Motor Vehicle Industry is consistent with Uganda’s aspirations and pathways to Vision 2040 which is articulated in the National Development Plan III and the NRM Manifesto 2021 – 2026.
The National Development Plan III allows for the promotion of local manufacturing of motor vehicles, establishment of an efficient, integrated, sustainable, safe and inclusive public transport system and promotion of environmentally friendly transport solutions.
Kiira Motors Corporation is currently leveraging government support and goodwill to cement its position as a commercial vehicle Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and pioneers of electric mobility in the East African region and the African content .
Kiira Motors Corporation is offering shuttle services for Civil Aviation Authority Staff between Kampala and Entebbe three days a week as part of the Market Validation and demonstration of the Capabilities of the Kayoola EVS (fully electric) Buses in pioneering green mobility solutions for urban centers in Sub Saharan Africa. Through this Market Validation Exercise, technical and user experience data has been collected to inform product development.
Kiira Motors Corporation is also working with reputable strategic partners to produce at least 1,030 buses for Kampala and other cities in the East Africa region .
The company and its partners plan to produce and deploy 1,030 Buses by end of 2021, 50 of which will be electric. The initiative is aimed at modernizing public transport in the urban centers in Uganda and beyond, while building the indigenous motor vehicle industry through technology transfer and localization of auto parts manufacturing.
Kampala and other Cities in the region have for decades faced challenges of road and traffic congestion, pollution, unemployment and under employment resulting into low fuel economy, poor air quality, low labour productivity, and compromised road safety.
The venture to produce buses locally therefore, is projected to create over 30,000 jobs directly, 100,000 job indirectly, and catalyze investments by Micro Small and Medium Enterprise in the manufacture of motor vehicle parts. The strategic and long-term focus on electric buses for the cities further demonstrates Uganda’s commitment to enhance environmental stewardship.
