On August 16, 2024, Uganda will host its first e-mobility expo. The expo will be organised by the State-owned electric vehicle manufacturer, Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC). This event will take place, at the Kiira Vehicle Plant in Jinja. The inaugural event, held under the theme “The Future is Green; The Future is Now,” aims to explore, showcase, and encourage the adoption of electric mobility solutions in Uganda.
Officials say the Kiira Vehicle Open House and e-Mobility Expo 2024 is expected to attract about 200 industry leaders, potential customers, suppliers, policymakers, investors, innovators, and the public to discuss Uganda’s readiness to adapt to the e-mobility revolution all towards positioning the nation as a net source of e-mobility solutions in Africa.
During a media roundtable held on the all-electric city bus, the Kayoola EVS Model 2024, officials noted that the expo marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s journey towards embracing electric mobility. This transition offers immense potential for reducing the nation’s carbon footprint and creating new economic opportunities.
“This exhibition marks a crucial milestone in Uganda’s transition to electric mobility, which has the potential to significantly reduce the country’s carbon footprint, create new business opportunities and drive innovation. We are proud to organize this inaugural event and showcase the technologies that will shape the future of transportation in our nation,” said Paul Musasizi, CEO of Kiira Motors Corporation.
The Kiira Vehicle Plant is a symbol of the growth of Uganda’s science, technology and innovation. Uganda is now one of the countries recognised globally as a vehicle manufacturer and is licensed to issue Vehicle Identification Numbers.
The expo now come in as an opportunity to inform, educate and drive influence for the e-mobility ecosystem in Uganda and encourage adoption of electronic vehicles and position the nation as a net source of e-mobility solutions in Africa.
The E-Cars are also expected to reduce the nation’s carbon footprint journey.
Uganda’s carbon footprint
Kampala ranks 8th as the most polluted city in Africa. State authority, National Environment Management Authority affirms that mobility is the biggest air polluter in cities. About 31,600 Ugandans die from air pollution-related diseases in urban areas. The environment regulator, says the air pollution level in Kampala is eight times higher than the recommended standard. Kampala’s temperatures now swing past 30 degrees on a normal day, a 1.3°C rise from the early 70s.
Economic constraints limit people’s capacity to acquire newer, cleaner technology. Thus, it makes the country a fertile ground for ageing vehicles with higher pollution levels than modern models.
The public transportation system is disorganised and unregulated. The mix of ageing vehicles and substandard roads adds to poor air quality in cities, a slow poison that has long term health risks.
How is e-mobility better for our ecosystem
E-mobility leads the way in reducing emissions because e-vehicles do not produce tailpipe gases such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides in the first place. Conventional internal combustion engine vehicles that majority of Ugandans use release harmful gases into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and climate change.
Traditional gasoline-powered vehicles contribute significantly to air pollution, endangering public health and exacerbating climate change. In contrast, electronic vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, offering a cleaner and healthier alternative.
Uganda’s journey towards embracing electric mobility, which offers immense potential for reducing the nation’s carbon footprint and creating new economic opportunities while fostering innovation,
Kiira motors has so far produced 39 buses of both Kayoola EVS and Kayoola Coach. These buses are now leading the way in the promotion of Green Mobility Solutions. The Kayoola EVS is an electric bus. It is a zero-emission vehicle powered by batteries, suitable for urban public transport. The adoption of electric buses helps reduce air pollution and reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to cleaner and healthier urban environments.
The Kayoola Diesel Coach, although not fully electric, incorporates advanced diesel technology that meets stringent emission standards. By improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions, this vehicle supports the transition towards greener public transport solutions.
Allan Muhumuza, the Team Leader of the Mobility Bureau in the Secretariat of Science and Technology in the Office of the President, said in an interview, “With a vision to see Uganda transition to e-mobility in public mass transport, motorcycles, and passenger vehicles, the Government is implementing the National e-Mobility Strategy – which looks to build an efficient and self-sustaining ecosystem. This event is a bold step towards further bringing together all the relevant players towards seeing this vision come to life to combat climate change and enhance the quality of life for our citizens.
E-mobility as an alternative to fossil fuel vehicles: what is the task ahead for Uganda?
E-Mobility, also termed Electric or Electro Mobility, refers to clean and efficient transport using electric vehicles, powered by either batteries or hydrogen fuel cells, as well as full electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles that convert hydrogen
into electricity. Electric mobility is gaining popularity in Uganda as commercial players join in to promote e-vehicles.
The transition from traditional internal combustion engines to electric vehicles (EVs) is no longer a distant dream, but our present reality.
The e-mobility sector holds immense promise and implication to the strategic development of our nation.
Uganda’s heavy reliance on imported obsolete petrol and diesel engine powered vehicles is not only a huge drain to the economy, but poses significant risk to our socioeconomic transformation, public health, and the environment with Kampala being ranked 2nd most polluted city in Africa. The National e-Mobility Strategy has a bold target of Uganda fully transitioned to e-Mobility in public transport and motorcycles by 2030 and passenger vehicle sales by 2040.
The Ministry for Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat plans to coordinate a Whole-Government Approach to create an enabling environment for the protection and growth of the domestic e-Mobility ecosystem. The Government commits to implementing these interventions and policy measures, prioritised based on recommendations from stakeholders, for the next 10 years after which they will be reviewed.