The Minister of State for Energy Hon. Okaasai Opolot has assured companies in the E-mobility sector of reliable supply of electricity to support charging infrastructure- to enhance Uganda’s transition to electric mobility.
E- mobility in Uganda is being championed by companies such as Kiira Motors Corporation which is producing fully electric buses -the Kayoola EVS, Zembo and Bodawerk who produce electric motorcycles among others.
This follows President Yoweri Museveni’s directive that Uganda should transition from fossil fuels to E-mobility -to reduce pollution and offer an organized cheap transport solution for Kampala city and other urban centers.
In Uganda road transport accounts for 95% of passenger traffic that is responsible for the high pollution levels .
According to Hon. Okaasai, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has embarked on the formulation of supportive regulatory framework and the provision of sustainable energy in order to achieve the targets for e-mobility in Uganda.
“We are cognizant of the fact that access to electricity, and affordability of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure are the two major barriers for EV adoption,” he noted.
The Minister noted that the development of EVs cannot be separated from the charging infrastructure. “There are challenges in the initial phase of EVs development and the low uptake of EVs often hinders the investment enthusiasm of investors for charging infrastructure, however, there is need for a comprehensive planning scheme for an EV charging eco-system to resolve this problem,” he said.
Okasaasi said the ministry is working with key stakeholders to develop a feasibility study for EV charging ecosystems,design and develop a roadmap for a smart, scalable and replicable EV charging business propositions.
Further still the ministry will provide policy and technical guidance on how the EV charging ecosystem can be developed and rolled out in a technically and commercially feasible manner, the minister stated adding that his technical staff will also explore the EV Charging market opportunities in Uganda for both local and international companies.
Hon. Okaasai was delivering the Key note address during the recently concluded Energy Efficient and Electric Mobility Conference 2022 at Speke Resort Munyonyo under the theme “Energy and Minerals for sustainable Industrialization and Economic Recovery.”
Dr.Monica Musenero, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Office of the President said Uganda is prioritizing the transition to clean and efficient transport.
The priority areas include; local manufacturing of components and systems, establishment and operating of EV charging infrastructure, establishment of integrated steel industries and local manufacturing of electric vehicles.
