Uganda and the Kingdom of Eswatini have taken steps to deepen cooperation in science, technology and industrial development following a visit by a high-level Eswatini delegation to the Office of the President’s Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Secretariat.
The delegation was received by the STI Secretariat’s Under Secretary, Peter Ourien, who reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to working with African countries to promote innovation, industrialisation and economic growth. He also welcomed the growing ties between Uganda and Eswatini.
The meeting focused on Uganda’s progress in advanced manufacturing, particularly the production of electric and diesel buses, minibuses and motorcycles. Officials highlighted the work of Kiira Motors Corporation in developing locally manufactured vehicles and the contribution of electric mobility companies such as Spiro in expanding the use of electric motorcycles across the region.
The discussions also reviewed the Pearl to the Cape Expedition, during which Kiira Motors’ electric buses travelled across several African countries to demonstrate their performance and reliability. The expedition was cited as evidence of Uganda’s growing capability in vehicle manufacturing and sustainable transport technology.
The visit follows King Mswati III’s tour of Kiira Motors Corporation in Jinja last year, where both countries expressed interest in expanding cooperation in science, technology and industrial development.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Head of Delegation thanked the Government of Uganda for its hospitality and praised the progress made in vehicle manufacturing.
He said the delegation was impressed by the performance of Uganda’s electric buses during the Pearl to the Cape Expedition and had travelled to Uganda to learn more about the country’s innovations.
He expressed hope that the partnership would create new opportunities for investment, technology transfer and industrial cooperation between the two countries.
The Minister in the Office of the President for Science, Technology and Innovation, Eng. Jonard Asiimwe, said innovation and industrialisation remain critical to Africa’s economic transformation and reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with Eswatini.
The delegation is expected to visit Kiira Motors Corporation in Jinja to inspect Uganda’s vehicle manufacturing facilities and explore areas for future collaboration.
