305 Kiira EV cars expected by 2018

THE first 305 cars from Kiira Motors Corporation are expected to be rolled off the assembly line by 2018 if all the necessary infrastructure and human resources are put in place.

Paul Isaac Musasizi, chief executive officer, Kiira Motors said that government's strong commitment was required to achieve the set timelines. Government has promised to fund scientists to carry out this project.

"Made in Uganda cars should be safe and environmentally friendly. We need to train over 200 engineers, lawyers, accountants and entrepreneurs in the next six years in countries where cars are made to be able to develop indigenous Kiira technology," Musasizi said.

The Jinja factory is planned to grow to 60,000 cars per year by 2039 which include pickups, compact SUVs, sedans, light and medium duty trucks and buses. KMC is owned by Uganda Development Corporation and Makerere University.

Musasizi asked government to develop the infrastructure, land and buildings and lease it to KMC in the future where the company can buy it from government.

He added that government needs to be resolute on the weaning off of used cars when car making starts. He said the economy would benefit from exports, taxes paid and creation of employment including highly skilled intellectuals.

Government has promised to set up a free economic zone area in Butembe Block2, Plot 701 in Jinja Industrial and Business Park, Jinja district to attract key industries that support vehicle manufacturing. This is the area where Kiira Motors Corporation has been given 100 acres of land to set up the factory.

A free economic zone is area where companies are taxed very lightly or not at all in order to encourage economic activity.

Government also has plans to revitalize key industries such as iron and steel production in Tororo and Kabale districts. This will result in small and medium-sized enterprises to process raw materials that can feed the KMC plant.