Business 15 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kiira Motors Unveils Shs33.4 Trillion Plan for Local EV Battery Production
Kiira Motors Corporation has announced an ambitious ten-year strategy valued at Shs33.4 trillion (US$9 billion) to establish a domestic electric vehicle battery manufacturing industry, aiming to reduce reliance on imported components. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/inside-kiira-motors-shs33-4t-plan-for-sustainable-e-mobility-5559660
Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) is embarking on a significant ten-year development plan, aiming to invest approximately Shs33.4 trillion (US$9 billion) to create a local electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing industry. This strategic move is intended to bolster Uganda’s self-sufficiency by reducing its dependence on imported battery components, which currently constitute a substantial portion of EV production costs and expose manufacturers to supply chain vulnerabilities.
CEO Paul Musasizi highlighted the critical nature of battery production, noting it can account for 30% to 60% of an electric vehicle’s cost. “We want to go very big on battery,” Musasizi stated during a presentation to government officials, emphasizing the risks associated with reliance on foreign suppliers.
The plan includes the establishment of an 80-gigawatt-hour battery plant capable of handling the entire production chain, from raw materials for cathodes and anodes to the final battery packs. This venture is being pursued through a joint venture with the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), forming a new entity called RADI Energy Systems.
The initial factory is slated for a 60-acre site within the T6 Industrial Park in Nakasongola. KMC is seeking government support for essential infrastructure, including roads, water, and electricity, to facilitate this large-scale project. Alongside battery manufacturing, Kiira Motors is also developing vehicle production, logistics services under E-Bus Express, and EV charging infrastructure.
Kiira Motors is also requesting a 10-year vehicle purchase agreement with the government, anticipating an order of 3,000 buses, 1,500 pickups, and 600 SUVs. This would secure a domestic market for the company and build a track record for future export opportunities. The company also plans to expand its charging network, aiming for 100 fast chargers by year-end and 260 DC fast chargers across 14 urban centres within three years.
The Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) has pledged support for Kiira Motors’ expansion, promising assistance with land and infrastructure. The State Minister for Investment and Privatisation, Ms Amina Mukalazi, expressed strong government backing for the initiative, viewing it as crucial for adding value to Uganda’s mineral resources and positioning the country as a leader in electric mobility.