Uganda’s automotive industry continues to attract continental attention after a high-powered delegation from the Kingdom of Eswatini visited the Kiira Vehicle Plant in Jinja to explore the purchase of locally manufactured buses and strengthen cooperation in vehicle production and sustainable transport.The delegation held extensive discussions with officials from Kiira Motors Corporation on opportunities for partnership in electric mobility, automotive engineering, technology transfer, research, innovation and the distribution of vehicles across regional markets.
The visit reflects a growing desire among African countries to embrace homegrown manufacturing solutions.The engagement is a continuation of bilateral commitments made during King Mswati III’s official State Visit to Uganda in 2024. It also follows the Pearl-to-Cape Electric Expedition, which demonstrated that electric vehicles can successfully operate across multiple African countries and support the continent’s transition to cleaner mobility.While touring the Kiira Vehicle Plant, the visitors were introduced to the company’s advanced vehicle production systems, engineering processes, quality control standards and testing facilities. They also viewed Kiira Motors’ expanding fleet of electric city buses and long-distance coaches tailored to African road and transport conditions.
Company executives explained that the Jinja-based manufacturing facility currently produces up to 2,500 vehicles annually and is preparing to expand production capacity to 10,000 units per year to meet the rising demand for locally manufactured vehicles across Africa.Kiira Motors also presented its broader vision of creating a fully integrated electric mobility ecosystem by investing in charging infrastructure, battery localisation, smart transport technologies and dependable maintenance services to support widespread electric vehicle adoption.
The Eswatini delegation inspected the buses and experienced several passenger-focused features, including climate control systems, wireless internet, USB charging ports, facilities for persons with disabilities and optional onboard washrooms designed for long-distance travel.The visit marks another milestone for Uganda’s fast-growing automotive sector, reinforcing Kiira Motors’ ambition to become a leading manufacturer of environmentally friendly vehicles while advancing regional industrialisation, innovation and economic integration through African-made transport solutions.
