EU Eyes Partnership with Uganda’s Kiira Motors

(Jinja) –  Jan Sadek, the EU’s ambassador to Uganda, led a group of approximately 10 EU ambassadors to the Kiira Motors Plant on October 23, 2024. This delegation included Hugues Chantry, ambassador of Belgium; Signe Winding Albjerg, ambassador of Denmark; Xavier Sticker, ambassador of France; and Frederieke Quispel, ambassador of the Netherlands, among others. Their visit signals a growing interest in partnerships to advance electric mobility solutions in Uganda.

During the visit, Sadek praised the work of Kiira Motors and noted that the EU was keen to support sustainable transport solutions that align with environmental and climate goals. “We had to visit Kiira Motors because we have heard so much about it and wanted to learn more,” he said. Sadek emphasized that the EU’s mission includes promoting electric transportation that respects environmental sustainability, echoing Uganda’s aims to increase its renewable energy use and develop its own electric vehicle market.

Kiira Motors Corporation, a government-owned entity valued at $89 million, was established to drive growth in Uganda’s budding motor vehicle sector. Its core mission is to develop, manufacture, and sell eco-friendly mobility solutions. The Kiira Vehicle Plant, with an annual production capacity of approximately 2,500 vehicles, is designed with state-of-the-art facilities including offices, assembly shops, testing grounds, and comprehensive power and water systems to support vehicle assembly and testing.

The delegation expressed interest in possible collaborations between Kiira Motors and European firms, aiming to leverage Europe’s advanced experience in the automotive sector. Sadek remarked on Uganda’s ambitious plans for renewable energy and electric vehicles, describing the facility as “very impressive.”

Paul Isaac Musasizi, CEO of Kiira Motors, affirmed the potential for cooperation, noting that EU expertise could accelerate Kiira’s goals. “There is a lot to learn from the EU, who have been in this industry for more than a century,” Musasizi said. “We see opportunities to partner on the investment side, playing a critical role in providing resources to help us scale and achieve the impact we envision across the continent.” Musasizi added that the EU’s leading role in automotive design and technology could prove invaluable for Kiira Motors as it seeks to expand its capacity and innovate in manufacturing processes.

The visit by the EU ambassadors has fueled optimism about potential partnerships that could propel Uganda’s automotive ambitions forward, contributing to sustainable development in the region.