Kiira Motors Corporation, Uganda’s electric vehicle manufacturer, is seeking Shs 500 billion to expand its production capacity to meet the increasing demand for buses. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, emphasized the need for additional funding to boost manufacturing capabilities.
Dr.
Musenero highlighted that to meet client demand, the company needs to maintain
an inventory of at least 200 buses. She stated, "There are various types
of buses required by different clients, and we must have them ready when
needed."
The
minister also stressed the importance of expanding the number of paint shops,
which is crucial for enhancing the factory’s output from 2,500 to 5,000 buses
annually. "There are still elements that need completion, including
doubling the current number of paint chambers. This expansion will enable us to
double the factory’s capacity," she explained.
During
the inaugural Kiira vehicle plant open house and e-Mobility Expo 2024 in Jinja,
Dr. Musenero expressed a strong desire to increase the stock of buses to better
serve customer needs. "Having a larger stock would allow us to fulfill
quick orders from clients, who often request large quantities, such as 100
buses," she noted.
Kiira
Motors Corporation is also eyeing markets within Uganda and beyond. Dr.
Musenero revealed plans to target the East African region, with ongoing
discussions in the South African market. She mentioned a recent visit by the
King of Eswatini, who expressed interest in promoting Kiira Motors' products in
Southern Africa.
Isaac
Musaasizi, the CEO of Kiira Motors Corporation, stated that the Kiira Vehicle
Plant is Africa's largest bus manufacturing facility. He announced that by
August 2024, the plant’s initial installed capacity would allow the production
of 2,500 buses annually. "The plant, situated on 100 acres, is equipped
for frame and body manufacturing, chassis line, trim line assembly, and quality
testing, with a capacity of producing 200 buses per month and 11 buses per
day," Musaasizi explained.
He
also discussed the company’s focus on buses rather than luxury or small cars,
citing that the majority of Ugandans and Africans rely on public transportation.
"In Uganda, 82% of passengers use public transport, 9% use private cars,
and another 9% use motorcycles. Therefore, our priority is public transport,
particularly buses," Musaasizi said.
Looking
ahead, Musaasizi mentioned the potential to expand into the truck market,
noting that 96.5% of cargo in Uganda and much of Africa is transported by road.
Rebecca
Kadaga, the First Deputy Prime Minister and guest of honor, praised Uganda's
progress in the e-mobility sector, particularly highlighting Kiira Motors'
Kayoola EVS. She commended the Ministry of Science for establishing the vehicle
plant in the Busoga region and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to
transitioning to electric mobility in public transport by 2030.
"Uganda’s
commitment to a full transition to electric mobility in public transport by
2030 underscores the country’s dedication to sustainable development. This
focus on electric vehicles, supported by favorable policies, subsidies, and tax
incentives, is expected to significantly contribute to the national GDP, aiming
for a 12.5% contribution by 2040," Kadaga stated