By Mark Kawalya
The Ministry of Energy in Uganda has introduced two public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Kampala. The stations, located at Amber House, are a major step towards promoting e-mobility in Uganda. This initiative shows the government’s dedication to sustainable transportation.
Irene Bateebe, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, emphasized the project’s inclusivity. She noted “The new charging systems not only support electric vehicles but are also configured to work with three-wheeler boda bodas.” The Ministry is working closely with private companies like GoGo Electric and Zembo to expand the charging network for two- and three-wheelers. This collaboration underscores the government’s acknowledgment of the essential role the private sector plays in advancing the e-mobility industry.
Bateebe emphasized the necessity of preparing for the global transition to electric mobility. She pointed out that countries like China have made significant progress in this area. Uganda’s proactive measures aim to prepare the nation for the growing demand for electric vehicles.
To boost the e-mobility sector, the government has enacted various policy reforms. These include tax exemptions on electric vehicles that will cover VAT, stamp duty, and income tax. Furthermore, the Ministry of Works and Transport has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Spiro, a company that specializes in electric two-wheelers. The aim of the partnership is to deploy over 140,000 electric two-wheelers and 3,000 charging stations across Uganda in the next five years. Spiro’s CEO, Shegun Adjadi Bakari, announced plans to introduce fast-charging stations that can charge bikes in under three minutes.
The Kiira Motors Electric Vehicles initiative is a key component of Uganda’s strategy to promote local manufacturing of electric vehicles. Uganda had already produced 27 electric buses by June 2024. Research by the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership highlights the need for a holistic approach to e-mobility adoption in Uganda. This involves collaboration among various stakeholders while considering social, political, and economic aspects.
Uganda’s move towards electric mobility marks a significant step in reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainable transportation. The establishment of public charging stations, along with policy reforms and private sector cooperation, indicates a promising future for electric vehicles in the country. Uganda is poised to emerge as a regional leader in sustainable transportation as it continues to develop its e-mobility infrastructure.
