The Ministry of Energy in Uganda has recently unveiled two public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Kampala, marking a significant stride towards promoting electric mobility within the country. Located at Amber House, these charging stations signify the government’s commitment to embracing sustainable transportation solutions.
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Irene Bateebe, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, emphasized the inclusivity of this initiative, stating, “We’re not just supporting vehicles, but also the three-wheeler boda bodas.” The Ministry is actively collaborating with private sector partners like GoGo Electric and Zembo to expand the network of charging stations for both two-wheelers and three-wheelers. This approach highlights the government’s recognition of the private sector’s crucial role in driving the e-mobility sector forward.
Bateebe underscored the importance of preparing for the global shift towards electric mobility, noting that countries like China have already made significant progress in transitioning their vehicle fleets to electric mode. Uganda’s proactive measures are aimed at ensuring the country is well-equipped to accommodate the growing demand for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.
The government has implemented various policy reforms to stimulate the e-mobility sector. These reforms include tax exemptions on electric vehicles, covering VAT, stamp duty, and income tax. Additionally, the Ministry of Works and Transport has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Spiro, a company specializing in electric two-wheelers. This partnership aims to deploy over 140,000 electric two-wheelers and 3,000 recharging stations across Uganda within the next five years. Spiro’s CEO, Shegun Adjadi Bakari, has promised the introduction of fast-charging stations capable of charging bikes in under three minutes.
The Kiira Motors Electric Vehicles initiative is central to Uganda’s efforts to promote local manufacturing of electric buses and cars. By June 2024, 27 electric buses had already been produced. Furthermore, research conducted by the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to e-mobility adoption in Uganda. This approach involves collaboration among various stakeholders and considers social, political, and economic factors.
Uganda’s commitment to electric mobility is a positive step towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transportation. The installation of public charging stations, coupled with policy reforms and private sector partnerships, signals a promising future for electric vehicles in the country. As Uganda continues to develop its e-mobility ecosystem, it is poised to become a leader in sustainable transportation in the region.
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