Kiira Motors Driving into the Future: Uganda’s First E-Mobility Expo to Showcase Electric Revolution

As Uganda grapples with worsening air quality, the country is set to take a significant step towards a greener future. Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) has announced the first-ever e-mobility expo and open house event at the Kiira Vehicle Plant (KVP). Scheduled for August 16, 2024, in Jinja, the event aims to accelerate the adoption of electric mobility solutions in Uganda.

Kampala's air pollution levels have reached alarming heights, surpassing the World Health Organization's safe limit by a staggering eight times. This environmental crisis, coupled with Uganda's heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels, underscores the urgent need for a shift to cleaner energy sources.

The e-mobility expo, themed "The Future is Green; The Future is Now," will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and the public to discuss Uganda's transition to electric vehicles.

With over 200 participants expected, the event promises to be a platform for knowledge sharing, innovation, and investment.

“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.

Uganda's recent census recorded a population of 45.9 million, with increasing urbanization leading to higher vehicle emissions. Kampala's air pollution has risen from an already hazardous annual average of 39.5 micrograms of pollutant matter per cubic meter in 2019 to 41 micrograms per cubic meter in 2024.

The World Health Organization's safe limit is 5 micrograms per cubic meter, making Kampala's pollution levels eight times higher. This alarming situation underscores the urgent need for e-mobility solutions to improve air quality and public health.

The government of Uganda is implementing a national e-mobility policy to support the transition to electric motorbikes, passenger cars, and public transportation.

Allan Muhumuza, Team Leader of the Mobility Bureau in the Secretariat of Science and Technology in the Office of the President, emphasizes the importance of the event, stating, “This event is a bold step towards bringing together all relevant players to realize this vision, combat climate change, and enhance the quality of life for our citizens.”

Muhumuza says that Kiira Vehicle Plant currently has an installed capacity to produce 2,500 automobiles annually, with plans to scale up to 5,000 vehicles per year in the medium term.

He notes that the expansion will establish Uganda as a key supplier of mobility solutions across Africa.

Key highlights of the expo include fireside chats with experts, showcasing the latest e-mobility technologies, and exploring opportunities for e-mobility infrastructure development.

As Uganda strives to position itself as a leading provider of e-mobility solutions in Africa, this event marks a crucial milestone in the country's journey towards a sustainable and cleaner future.