Uganda ‘s automotive industry champion , Kiira Motors Corporation is working with reputable strategic partners to produce at least 1,000 buses for Kampala and other cities in the East Africa region . Kiira Motors is a state enterprise operating under the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation.
The buses 50 of which will be electric , are part of 30,000 Buses the company and its partners are set to produce for the regional market, with 65% parts and components localized by 2030. This builds on the successful development of the Kayoola Electric and Diesel Buses built through technology transfer and utilizing the facilities and resources at the UPDF National Enterprise Corporation Luweero Industries in Nakasongola.
“Kiira Motors and the 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,” a statement issued by Kiira Motors reads in part .
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.
“This calls for establishment of a robust integrated and inclusive mass transport system based on environmentally friendly transport solutions. Coupled with localization of capabilities to develop, make and sell vehicles and components, this provides an unprecedented opportunity for transforming the economy drawing on the demographic dividend of Uganda, the KMC statement says.
According to Kiira Motors, the establishment of Mass Transit Bus Systems supported by the domestic manufacturing of buses and components for the regional market is consistent with Uganda’s aspirations and pathways to Vision 2040 outlined in the National Development Plan III and the NRM Manifesto 2021 – 2026.
Mission vehicles made in Uganda is intended to promotion local manufacturing of motor vehicles; establishment of an efficient, integrated, sustainable, safe and inclusive public transport system; and develop environmentally friendly transport solutions. Already, KMC is championing home grown green mobility technologies in Africa and has produced and deployed fully electric buses -the Kayoola EVS now offering shuttle services for the staff of Civil Aviation Authority .
The venture to produce buses locally 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.
