Museveni takes bus ride as he commissions Kiira Vehicle Plant

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President Yoweri Museveni, on Friday, September 26, 2025, officially commissioned the Kiira Vehicle Plant in Jinja, marking a historic moment for Uganda and Africa

The plant is now the largest and most advanced bus manufacturing facility on the continent. It sits on 100 acres (about 40.5 hectares) of land and is a big step in Uganda’s journey of industrialisation, innovation, and job creation.

Constructed by NEC Construction Works and Engineering Ltd, a subsidiary of National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), the development of this plant began in 2018, reflecting Uganda's dedication to promoting green mobility and industrialisation.

President Yoweri Museveni inspecting the Kiira Electric Vehicle Plant in Jinja on Friday, September 26, 2025. (PPU photo)

This facility aims to produce electric and hybrid vehicles, encourage local innovation, generate job opportunities, and support sustainable development within the automotive industry.

"The demand for electric vehicles highlights our need for lithium, which we are blessed to have in substantial deposits in Ntungamo and other regions.

Congratulations to Makerere University, Kiira Motors, and the National Enterprise Corporation. Their achievements prove that success is possible, breaking down the barriers of doubt and demonstrating that we can indeed realise our potential," said Museveni while addressing hundreds at the event.

He added that "Uganda's economy is currently growing at 7% and is expected to exceed 10% once our oil production begins. We have a clear vision for what will transform our society.

We also plan to process our rich iron ore reserves into high-quality steel, which will significantly reduce our dependence on steel imports that currently cost over $900 million annually. Uganda is fortunate to have some of the best iron ore in the world, located in Kabale and Butogota.”

Museveni also praised the plant as a bold step in building Uganda’s industrial future. What started as a small university project has grown into a continental symbol of innovation.

With this plant, Uganda is showing that it can lead Africa into a future of clean, modern, and sustainable transport.

Museveni's ride on the Kiira Ev bus was one of the highlights at the event.

The story of Kiira Motors began many years ago. In 2007, a group of researchers at Makerere University worked on a project to create a modern car. Their first success was the Vision 200, a two-seater plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

Four years later, in 2011, the same team introduced the Kiira EV, which became Africa’s first electric car. This achievement proved that Ugandans had the skills to design and build world-class vehicles.

To take this vision forward, the Government of Uganda set up Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) as a state enterprise. The government, through the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Office of the President, owns 96% of the company, while Makerere University holds 4%. KMC’s goal is to build a strong car industry in Uganda, create jobs, and support the local economy.

Since its creation, KMC has built several unique vehicles. In 2014, it produced the Kiira EVS, Africa’s first hybrid electric car. In 2016, it developed the Kayoola Solar Bus, the continent’s first solar-powered electric bus.

Today, its main products include the Kayoola EVS, a fully electric city bus that can travel 300 kilometres on one charge, and the Kayoola Coach, a comfortable highway bus available in both electric and diesel versions.

The new Kiira Vehicle Plant brings these ideas to life on a bigger scale. With an installed capacity to produce 2,500 buses every year and plans to grow to 5,000 units, the plant will reduce Uganda’s import bill, create thousands of jobs, and give many opportunities to local suppliers. It also positions Uganda as a leader in e-mobility, not just for the country but for the whole of Africa.