The State Minister of Finance for Investment and Privatisation, Ms. Evelyn Anite, highlighted the growing interest from investors in adding value to minerals, emphasizing their potential contribution to Uganda’s automotive sector. She pointed out that minerals play a crucial role in the production of vehicle components and expressed optimism about attracting investments in this area.
Ms. Geraldine Ssali, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, outlined Uganda’s abundant mineral resources suitable for vehicle manufacturing. She identified various minerals such as iron ore, silica sand, rare earth elements, graphite, cobalt, lithium, kaolin, marble, vermiculite, tungsten, columbite, tantalite, chromite, titanium, and copper as key ingredients for producing automotive components.
During a visit to the Metu Zhongtong Bus Industries plant in Namanve, Wakiso District, Ms. Ssali emphasized the potential of the automotive industry to propel Uganda towards achieving middle-income status by 2040, aligning with the country’s long-term development goals. She praised the efforts of the company in advancing the nation’s industrial objectives and highlighted the importance of industrialization in driving economic growth and poverty reduction.
Ms. Ssali underscored the positive impact of manufacturing-led value addition, which fosters technology transfer, skill development, and inclusive economic growth. She emphasized the transformative effects of industrialization on employment creation and economic empowerment, citing the example of the Metu Zhongtong Bus Industries’ role in job creation and economic development.
Despite the progress made in the automotive sector, Ms. Ssali acknowledged challenges such as unsustainable transport models in urban areas, which hinder the industry’s growth. She emphasized the need for strategic interventions to address these challenges and ensure the sector’s sustainability and competitiveness.
Ms. Anite reiterated the government’s commitment to revitalize Kilembe Mines in Kasese, highlighting the potential of its mineral deposits for automotive manufacturing. She emphasized the economic benefits of adding value to minerals, including job creation, revenue generation, and technological advancement, positioning Uganda for sustainable economic development.
Furthermore, Ms. Anite emphasized Uganda’s transition from a focus on agricultural value addition to embracing opportunities in automotive manufacturing, driven by advancements in technology and the growing demand for electric vehicles. She highlighted initiatives such as Kiira Motors Corporation’s production of electric vehicles, particularly the Kayoola buses powered by solar energy, as examples of Uganda’s commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.
