Eswatini Explores Ugandan Electric Buses After Successful Kiira Motors Assessment

Uganda’s ambition to become a significant exporter of electric vehicles has received a boost following a comprehensive five-day technical assessment of Kiira Motors Corporation by a delegation from the Kingdom of Eswatini. The mission, which took place from July 28 to August 1, is a strong indicator of export interest from African governments seeking sustainable public transport options.

Led by Eswatini’s Principal Secretary for Public Works and Transport, Thulani Mkhaliphi, the delegation rigorously evaluated Kiira Motors’ manufacturing capabilities, engineering standards, and overall electric mobility infrastructure. This assessment is a crucial step towards a potential procurement agreement for Uganda’s Kayoola electric buses.

The visit builds on prior engagements, including King Mswati III’s state visit to Uganda in 2024 and the successful “Pearl to the Cape Expedition,” where Kayoola buses traversed over 14,000 kilometers across Southern Africa, including Eswatini.

Beyond the buses themselves, the Eswatini team examined Uganda’s broader industrial ecosystem, recognizing the need for integrated solutions encompassing manufacturing, skills development, and technology transfer. Discussions with Ugandan officials, including Minister Jonard Asiimwe, emphasized Uganda’s strategy of leveraging science and innovation for economic transformation, with electric mobility as a key focus.

During their time at the Kiira Motors Vehicle Plant in Jinja, the delegation toured production lines, workshops, and quality assurance systems. Mkhaliphi expressed confidence in Uganda’s technological advancements, noting the “Pearl to the Cape” journey as a testament to their belief in African innovation. He commended Kiira Motors as an example of government support fostering university-led innovation into industrial capacity.

Further engagements included visits to Spiro Uganda and E-Bee, exploring Uganda’s expanding clean mobility value chain. The mission concluded with commitments to deepen bilateral cooperation in transport, manufacturing, and trade, with Eswatini inviting Ugandan manufacturers to its upcoming trade fair. This potential procurement marks a significant milestone for Kiira Motors and Uganda’s growing presence in the African electric mobility market.

Source: Nile Post