Kampala's Taxi Fleet Poised for Electric Transformation by 2026

Kampala’s public transport system is on the cusp of a significant change, with the Union Transport Alliance (UTA) announcing plans to transition the city’s taxi fleet to electric vehicles. The ambitious project aims to see the first electric taxis navigating the capital’s streets before the close of 2026.

This initiative stems from a recent benchmarking visit by a UTA delegation to China, where they thoroughly assessed the viability of electric taxi technology and the essential supporting infrastructure. The union, which represents a broad spectrum of transport workers including taxi, bus, and truck drivers, as well as boda boda riders, is optimistic about the potential.

Amon Mulyowa, speaking for the UTA, indicated that the successful rollout hinges on establishing a robust network of battery-swapping stations. “We need to have the energy network in place, because we need to have the swapping stations,” he stated, highlighting the critical infrastructure requirement before the vehicles can be widely deployed.

While acknowledging the potential, UTA chairman Rashid Sekindi emphasized the need for adaptation. “From what we observed, they can work, but the system needs some modifications to fit our local environment,” Sekindi commented, underscoring that a direct replication of the Chinese model is not feasible for Uganda.

To mitigate the financial burden on drivers and investors, the UTA is exploring a gradual payment scheme. This would allow operators to acquire electric taxis with a small initial deposit, with the balance paid in installments as the vehicles generate income.

Frank Mawejje, chairman of the Boda Union, urged widespread support for the transition, citing potential benefits such as reduced fuel costs and positive environmental impact. “By embracing electric vehicles together, we can reduce fuel costs, protect our environment, and build a stronger transport industry for Uganda,” he remarked.

The success of this transformative plan will ultimately depend on the development of adequate charging and battery-swapping infrastructure, accessible financing options, and the effective adaptation of electric taxi technology to Uganda’s unique operational conditions.

Read more at The Observer (Uganda): https://observer.ug/news/kampala-to-switch-electric-taxis-before-end-of-2026