By Mark Kawalya
Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) will hold the first e-mobility expo in Uganda, on August 16, 2024. The event will be held at the Kiira Vehicle Plant in Jinja from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. With the theme “The future is green; the future is now,” the event will showcase and promote the adoption of electric mobility solutions in Uganda. It is expected to attract over 200 industry leaders, customers, suppliers, policymakers, investors, and innovators.
Discussions will be held on Uganda’s readiness for the e-mobility revolutions, with the goal of positioning the nation as a forerunner in developing e-mobility solutions.
“This event marks an important milestone in Uganda’s journey towards electric mobility. It holds great potential for reducing our carbon footprint, fostering innovation, and creating new opportunities. We are proud to host this event and showcase innovations that will shape the future of mobility in our country,” said Paul Musasizi, CEO of Kiira Motors Corporation.
The expo will feature conversations with experts in e-financing, carbon trading, energy, and e-mobility infrastructure development. This will provide a platform for in-depth discussions on the future of e-mobility in Uganda. According to the recent census, Uganda has a population of 45.9 million people. With increasing urbanization, the mobility needs of this population have led to higher vehicular emissions. These contribute to inceased air pollution in Kampala. The city’s annual average pollutant matter has risen from 39.5 micrograms per cubic meter in 2019 to 41 micrograms per cubic meter in 2024. This exceeds the World Health Organization’s safe limit of 5 micrograms per cubic meter.
This dire situation underscores the urgent need for e-mobility solutions, which can also improve the national energy equation, considering Uganda’s annual budget for energy is USD 2 billion and the vehicles USD 730 million.
“With a vision to transition Uganda to e-mobility in public transport, motorcycles, and passenger vehicles, the government is implementing a national e-mobility strategy to build a self-sustaining ecosystem.
The event brings together all relevant stakeholders to realize this vision, combat climate change, and enhance the quality of life for our citizens,” said Allan Muhumuza, Team Leader of the Mobility Bureau in the Office of the President’s Secretariat of Science and Technology. The Kiira Vehicle Plant currently has an annual production capacity of 2,500 vehicles. This is expected to double to 5,000 vehicles in the medium term, positioning Uganda as a key player in the African mobility solutions market.
