Today marks a monumental day for Uganda as President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officially commissions the Kiira Vehicle Plant, cementing the nation’s position as a regional leader in mobility innovation and industrialization.
This historic event signifies the culmination of a visionary journey that began over a decade ago with the unveiling of the Kiira EV at Makerere University on November 24, 2011 when Uganda made History with Africa’s First Electric Vehicle. The commissioning of this state-of-the-art facility is a testament to Uganda’s commitment to industrialization, job creation, and a sustainable future.
The Kiira Vehicle Plant in Jinja is recognized as the largest, most capable, and most advanced bus manufacturing facility on the African continent. This end-to-end plant includes a comprehensive Body Shop, Paint Shop, Chassis Systems Shop, Trim & Assembly Shop, a dedicated Quality Inspection and Testing Shop, and Test Track these supported by a Design and Engineering Outfit. This infrastructure is designed to drive local industrial growth and enhance supply chain resilience.
In her remarks, Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, the Minister for STI-Office of the President, highlighted the transformative impact of the plant. “Today, we witness what was once a far-off dream realised as the Biggest Most Competent and Most Capable Bus Manufacturing Plant on the Continent, the Kiira Vehicle Plant” he stated. “We have demonstrated that our technology and our process is fit for purpose, and with this plant, we are equipped to meet the burgeoning demand for our products both at home and across the continent.”
The commissioning of the plant is set to address a number of critical national goals. Uganda, a country that has historically spent over $800 million annually on vehicle imports, is now poised to become a “net source of e-mobility solutions”. This move will not only reduce the national import bill but also create thousands of jobs.
The plant is projected to generate over 14,000 jobs across the mobility industry value chain, with a strategic goal of achieving 65% local content. KMC will progressively strategically source production parts and materials from local suppliers, thereby stimulating backward and forward linkages in the economy and reviving Jinja as Uganda’s industrial powerhouse.
KMC’s product portfolio, which includes the Kayoola EVS electric city bus and Kayoola coaches designed to meet the unique requirements of the African road infrastructure. These buses feature modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, and real-time route updates, ensuring an elevated passenger experience. A key focus has been on sustainability and environmental stewardship. The electric bus directly contributes Uganda’s 2050 Net-Zero Carbon Emissions target.
Looking ahead, KMC has an ambitious vision to scale its annual production from an initial installed capacity of 2,500 vehicles to 10,000 in the medium term. The corporation’s future plans also include the development of a hybrid SUV.
The success of this initiative is a powerful demonstration of Uganda’s capacity for indigenous innovation and its readiness to lead a sustainable, green industrial revolution on the continent. The Kiira Vehicle Plant is a symbol of national pride and a bold step toward a prosperous and technologically advanced future for Uganda.
ABOUT KIIRA MOTORS CORPORATION
Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) is Uganda’s flagship Mobility Innovation and Industrialization Enterprise, leading the nation’s transition to sustainable mobility and inclusive industrial growth. With a bold vision to build a Regional Mobility Ecosystem, KMC is shaping an industry, a movement, and a legacy that positions Uganda as a net source of mobility solutions in the multi-trillion-dollar global mobility market.
Our vehicles are meticulously engineered to address the unique requirements of the continent’s terrain while delivering a premium experience that meets and exceeds international standards for comfort, safety and enhanced environmental stewardship. The Kayoola Series embodies our commitment to innovation, with features tailored to market needs. Our buses have already proven their durability and viability by collectively covering over two million kilometers.
This excellence is made possible by the Kiira Vehicle Plant in Jinja, which is the most capable and advanced bus manufacturing facility on the continent.Our end-to-end process includes a Body Shop, Paint Shop, Chassis System Integration Shop, Trim & Assembly Shop, Quality Inspection & Testing Shop and Dedicated Test Track, ensuring uncompromising quality. A cornerstone of this process is a deep focus on value addition, with a target of 65% local content. This approach creates industrial linkages and is projected to generate over 14,000 jobs.
Beyond manufacturing, Kiira Motors is actively shaping the entire mobility ecosystem. This includes deploying essential infrastructure like EV charging stations and developing business models such as Mobility-as-a-Service -to empower entrepreneurs.
