Yesterday marked a monumental day for the Republic of Uganda as His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officially commissioned the Kiira Vehicle Plant, cementing Uganda’s place as a regional leader in mobility innovation and industrialization.
This historic achievement is the culmination of a visionary journey that began on November 24, 2011, when Makerere University unveiled the Kiira EV, Africa’s first electric vehicle. Fourteen years later, Uganda celebrates the commissioning of a state-of-the-art facility that stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to industrialization, job creation, and sustainable development.
Africa’s Most Advanced Bus Manufacturing Plant
Located in Jinja, the Kiira Vehicle Plant is recognized as the largest, most capable, and most advanced bus manufacturing facility on the African continent. The end-to-end facility includes:
• A Body Shop
• A Paint Shop
• A Chassis Systems Shop
• A Trim & Assembly Shop
• A Quality Inspection & Testing Shop
• A Dedicated Test Track
These world-class facilities are supported by a robust Design and Engineering outfit, making the plant a powerful driver of local industrial growth and supply chain resilience.
A Dream Realized
Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation – Office of the President, hailed the development as a transformative milestone.
“We witness what was once a far-off dream realized as the biggest, most competent, and most capable bus manufacturing plant on the continent,” she stated. “We have demonstrated that our technology and process are fit for purpose, and with this plant, Uganda is equipped to meet the growing demand for mobility solutions both at home and across Africa.”
Reducing Imports and Creating Jobs
Uganda has historically spent over $800 million annually on vehicle imports. With the commissioning of the Kiira Vehicle Plant, the nation is poised to become a net source of e-mobility solutions, significantly reducing its import bill.
The plant is projected to generate over 14,000 jobs across the mobility industry value chain, with a strategic goal of achieving 65% local content. By progressively sourcing production parts and materials from local suppliers, Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) will create strong economic linkages, stimulate industrial growth, and revive Jinja as Uganda’s industrial powerhouse.
Sustainable Mobility for Africa
KMC’s product portfolio includes the Kayoola EVS electric city bus and Kayoola coaches, both tailored to Africa’s unique road conditions. Designed with modern passenger amenities such as Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, and real-time route updates, these vehicles deliver comfort while advancing sustainability.
The Kayoola EVS directly contributes to Uganda’s 2050 Net-Zero Carbon Emissions target, showcasing the nation’s commitment to green innovation and environmental stewardship.
Looking Ahead
With an installed annual capacity of 2,500 vehicles, the Kiira Vehicle Plant has set its sights on scaling production to 10,000 vehicles in the medium term. Future plans include the development of a hybrid SUV, further diversifying Uganda’s mobility solutions.
This initiative is a bold demonstration of Uganda’s indigenous innovation and readiness to lead a green industrial revolution on the continent. The plant is not just a facility—it is a symbol of national pride and a beacon of the country’s prosperous, technologically advanced future.
