Kiira vehicle plant steadily progressing

COVID19  KIIRA MOTORS 

Amidst challenges associated with the global outbreak of the Coronavirus, Ugandans should remain hopeful to witness the nation's vehicle manufacturing plant fully set up by the end of 2021.

According to the implementing agency the National Enterprises Cooperation (NEC), construction works of the Start-up facilities at the Jinja based Vehicle plant are at 50% making way for the manufacture of 22 vehicles per day at the close of next year.  

Some of the workers at the site. Photos by Ruth Nasejje

The Kiira Motors states that the Start-Up Facilities comprising of 40,000 Square Meter Production Space shall include the Body shop, Paint shop, Electrophoresis shop, Chassis assembly line, Test track, and offices.

The Kiira Electric Vehicle plant is expected to produce 5,000 vehicles annually, according to the project proposal.

It employs over 200 people from the community and professionals at site.

Workers setting up the top floor of the star-up facilities expected to be the office area. Photo by Ruth Nasejje.

The project will increase investment by small and medium enterprises in the manufacture of vehicle parts. Many vehicle parts and components have been highlighted as ideal for local entities to manufacture and supply for the Kiira EV project. Some of the components and automobile systems needed, include car batteries, brake pads, seats, bolts and nuts.

According to the road map, KMC should grow its production capacity to 150,000 annually. The plant is also expected to produce fuel vehicles. KMC is eyeing the East African Community market which it projects to increase to over 500,000 pieces per year.

KMC intends to address the mobility needs of the target market with a variety of products. These include buses for mass mobility meeting the needs of the traveller who does not own a vehicle, light and medium duty trucks for transportation of goods, among others.