ASIIMWE BRENDA
State-owned automaker Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) is spearheading Uganda’s electric vehicle (EV) revolution. The automotive plant has unveiled plans to locally produce lithium-ion batteries, aiming to reduce EV production costs and enhance accessibility for Ugandans.
The lithium battery, which contributes to over 60% of EV production costs, will be manufactured locally, facilitating faster EV manufacturing and reducing reliance on imports. According to Dr. Peter Mulira, Chairman of the Kiira Motors Corporation Board, “Local production will facilitate faster EV manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports.” Adding that, “We are proud to be part of the journey to transform our country and continent.”
Engineer Gilbert Balibaseka, Kiira Motors Corporation’s Technical Director, emphasized the vehicle’s environmentally friendly design and locally sourced materials, “The Kiira EV is not just a symbol of innovation but also a reflection of the country’s commitment to sustainable transportation that is environmentally friendly.”
KMC’s strategic goals include producing 500,000 electric vehicles by 2030 and achieving a 65% local production rate in the EV value chain. The company is also addressing infrastructure challenges by collaborating with Jinja city authorities to promote electric transport. This partnership aims to introduce a green transport system that can be expanded to other parts of the country.
Dr. Monica Musonero, Uganda’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, emphasized the government’s support for such innovations, highlighting the importance of developing local manufacturing capabilities to reduce imports. “We are encouraging localization since most of these parts used are imported,” she noted.
Mukasa Abul, a passenger who enjoyed a ride with the technically sophisticated electric car, praised its comfort, speed, and affordability compared to ordinary vehicles. “Whenever I board the electric vehicle, I am so much contented that I will reach my destination in time because they are faster compared to ordinary vehicles,” he said.
Tumusiime Ronald, a mechanic at Kiira Motors Corporation, highlighted the benefits of electric vehicles, saying, “These cars have lithium batteries and are environmentally friendly. They don’t cover high miles, but they’re economically friendly when it comes to repairing when they get mechanical faults.”
With its innovative design, locally sourced materials, and government support, the Kiira EV is poised to make a positive impact on Uganda’s transportation sector, positioning the country as a leader in sustainable transportation in Africa.
Kiira Motors Corporation’s (KMC) journey into electric mobility began in 2007 when Makerere University collaborated with international partners on the Vehicle Design Summit. This groundbreaking initiative sparked the development of the Kiira EV, a pioneering two-seater electric car that marked Uganda’s foray into electric mobility. This milestone laid the foundation for KMC’s future innovations, cementing its position as a leader in Uganda’s automotive industry.
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