MPs Want Parliament to Procure Locally Made Kiira Buses for Oversight Tours

A parliamentary committee has recommended that the institution procure locally manufactured buses from Kiira Motors Corporation for official oversight visits. The proposal forms part of a broader push by legislators for government bodies to actively support local technological innovations by becoming primary buyers.

During a House sitting chaired by Speaker Jacob Oboth, the Chairperson of the Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Samuel Opio, pointed out that the public sector exhibits a low uptake of domestic technology. He noted that utilizing Kiira Motors buses for parliamentary duties would help bridge the gap between technological development and market integration.

Supporting the motion, Kitgum Municipality MP Denis Oneka Lit highlighted the manufacturer’s evolution from an early university project into a producer of eco-friendly buses now operating in Kampala. However, the committee’s report noted that Kiira Motors has received significant government funding over the past 12 years and still requires state backing to reach its full production capacity in Jinja.

Lawmakers also scrutinized other state-funded initiatives, raising concerns over financial returns and commercial viability. Members called for better supervision, periodic reporting on job creation, and a competitive commercialization fund to support brilliant innovations emerging from universities and research institutions across the country.

Responding on behalf of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi acknowledged the necessity of transitioning research from laboratories to the commercial market.

For more details on this parliamentary debate, read the full report at the Parliament of Uganda.