Kiira Motors Hailed for Advancing Cleaner Transportation Systems

A team from the Environment for Development Initiative-Makerere (EfD-Mak) and Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) fellows, led by Uganda’s Policy Engagement Specialist, Dr. Peter Babyenda, recently visited Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) in Jinja. Kiira Motors, Uganda’s pioneer motor vehicle manufacturer, is being recognised for its pivotal role in promoting electric and solar-powered vehicles, aligning with the country’s push for cleaner and sustainable transportation systems.

The visit was part of a broader effort by EfD-Mak, a research centre housed at Makerere University, to engage key policymakers in discussions on sustainable development. Representatives from the National Planning Authority, the Ministry of Water and Environment, and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development also joined the tour, underscoring the government's interest in green technologies that can drive future industrial growth.

During the visit, Dr. Babyenda emphasised the alignment between EfD-Mak’s focus on reducing emissions through efficient energy sources and Kiira Motors’ commitment to producing electric and solar vehicles. "We selected Kiira Motors because it is championing the production of efficient cars. This partnership will help Uganda transition towards cleaner transportation systems," he stated.

Kiira Motors Corporation, in collaboration with Makerere University’s College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT), is pioneering the production of electric buses in Uganda. With an impressive facility capable of manufacturing 2,500 vehicles annually, the plant is a significant contributor to the country’s shift away from fossil fuels. This development is seen as a major step towards reducing emissions and meeting Uganda’s climate goals, including its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

The EfD-Mak team toured the 100-acre Kiira Motors plant, witnessing the seamless integration of innovative vehicle production and environmental sustainability. Dr. John Seruyange, a researcher from EfD-Mak, praised the synergies between their research on energy efficiency and Kiira Motors’ work. "Uganda has taken a significant step towards energy transitions, and visiting Kiira Motors allows us to see firsthand how these advancements align with our research," he said.

Eng. Richard Madanda, Kiira Motors' Director of Product Development, led the delegation through the plant, highlighting the company’s commitment to sustainable industrial practices. "Our environmentally friendly processes, from water recycling systems to tree-planting initiatives, ensure that Kiira Motors contributes to both the market and the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the production of electric vehicles," Madanda explained.

Dr. Babyenda also stressed the need for supporting small-scale operators, including taxi owners, to transition to cleaner vehicles like Kiira’s electric buses. The collaboration between EfD-Mak and Kiira Motors is viewed as a crucial step towards achieving Uganda's ambitions for a green economy and sustainable industrial growth.