On 26th September, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni commissioned the Kiira Vehicle Plant and officiated the handover of e-mobility buses to Makerere University at a ceremony held at Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) in Jinja.

In his remarks, the President congratulated Makerere University for its technological advancements and applauded Kiira Motors Corporation for instilling confidence in Uganda’s local engineering capabilities. He described KMC’s work as a major breakthrough in overcoming the “barrier of confidence” and pointed to its potential for propelling further technical growth.

Highlighting the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) long-standing vision, President Museveni referenced the 10-Point Programme, particularly point five on building an independent, integrated, and self-sustaining economy. He noted that while partial vertical integration exists, Uganda still imports steel—a gap the government intends to close once local iron ore processing begins. “The country will save $800 million annually from local steel production,” he stated.

The President also underscored the strategic importance of local production and private investment, especially in the vehicle industry. He revealed that lithium batteries, which account for about 60% of the cost of an electric vehicle, may soon be produced in Uganda through private investment. “I’m talking to investors and after their coming we may not even use government money”, he stated. He further called on scientists to embrace and research African traditional knowledge systems, urging Ugandans to “embrace what they already have.”

As part of the commissioning, Makerere University received three buses for student and staff mobility, including an electric bus donated by KMC to specifically support movement of students and staff with disabilities—underscoring the university’s commitment to inclusive education.

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Monica Musenero, commended the President’s leadership in advancing science-led socio-economic transformation. She recalled his 2021 directive establishing the Science, Technology, and Innovation Secretariat, which has since guided the sector. “We are building the confidence not only for Ugandans, but for Africans,” she said, highlighting that eight Small and Medium Enterprises have sprung up through KMC’s ecosystem.

Makerere University Council Chairperson, Ms. Lorna Magara, hailed the commissioning of the Kiira Vehicle Plant (KVP), the largest vehicle manufacturing plant in East Africa, as a landmark achievement rooted in years of research at the university. “The journey from ideation and laboratory prototypes to the establishment of a world class manufacturing facility demonstrates Uganda’s capacity to compete on the global stage innovations and facilities such as this are a clear testimony of our readiness to lead Africa’s industrial Renaissance”, she said. Ms. Magara further noted Makerere’s contributions in health innovation, including ventilators manufactured locally at 60% less cost than imports and clinically tested herbal medicines, projected to generate $40.67 million annually.

Mr. Paul Isaac Musaasizi, Chief Executive Officer – Kiira Motors Corporation, described the vehicle plant as the most capable bus manufacturing facility in the region, now employing over 400 professionals. He traced KMC’s journey from an extracurricular activity at Makerere University to a key driver of Uganda’s industrial growth, crediting the vision of Prof. Sandy Stevens Tickodri-Togboa and consistent government support. “The products we have built have been carefully crafted to capture aspects that are key for competent deployment in the unique situation on the African continent,” he said, highlighting the plant’s potential to diversify markets.

The Chairperson of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), Gen. Rtd. Joram Mugume, also expressed gratitude to the President for entrusting NEC with constructing the KMC plant, which was initiated by a presidential directive in 2018 and legally backed in 2019. He affirmed the project as proof of Uganda’s capability in executing large-scale industrial infrastructure.

Kiira Motors Corporation was founded in 2007 through Makerere University leadership under Prof. Tickodri-Togboa and Mr. Musaasizi. Its growth into a continental leader in e-mobility underscores Uganda’s determination to achieve sustainable industrialization.