The Government of Uganda has publicized June 2021 as the date for the start of manufacture of electric cars in Uganda, however, failed to hit the deadline in 2018.
Kiira Motors on social media conveyed: “Expect us to start manufacturing Ugandan made vehicles from our Vehicle Plant by June 2021.”
On a further note to confirm their plans, the company declared its commitment to source most of their raw materials from local manufacturers.
Kiira Motors: “We are on the move to gather all the necessary components to deliver all things Made in Uganda. Our first stop is at G Das Industrial Ltd, a company located in Jinja known for smelting Aluminium and manufacture Aluminium profiles.”
Kiira Motors Director Production, Albert Akovuku and Director Product Development Richard Madanda piloted the team of officials in exploring a partnership with G Das to manufacture key aluminium parts of the Kayoola EVS. The company noted that electric cars to be manufactured in Uganda are fully electric power-train whose zero tailpipe emissions improve air quality in the City through mitigation of the high transport-based carbon emissions. This bus addresses the consumption of the generated hydroelectric power.
However, it should be recalled that MPs on the Parliament’s Budget Committee rejected the plan by Government to inject Shs143.741Bn into the manufacture of electric cars by Kiira Motors Corporation Limited, saying the project isn’t one of the pressing issues in the country.
The Committee observed that the seed funding required to kick-start the commercialization of the Kiira Electric Vehicle plant is estimated at Shs143.741Bn spread over 4 years starting with Shs24.357Bn for FY 2018/2019 and thereafter the projected funding over the Medium Term.
In 2015, while unveiling the electric car, Government set 2018 as the date for the start of the massive production of vehicles in Uganda, starting with 305 cars. At the time, Kiira Motors Corporation had acquired 100acres of land at Kakira Town Council in Jinja. The government had projected to sell the cars: $25,000 for Sedans, $28,000 for the SUVs (Cross Overs) while the Pick Up will see Ugandans part with $32,000.