STI Minister Dr. Musenero Launches The National E- Mobility Expo Set For September 18-19 At The Kiira Vehicle Plant

Ugandans are invited to attend this open two day national event where over 80 e-mobility players will showcase their unique E-mobility solutions and products made for the African terrain

By Moses Sserwanga

Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC,) Uganda’s mobility industry flagship has launched the second edition of the National E-Mobility Expo 2025, to be held on 18th – 19th September 2025 at the Kiira Vehicle Plant (KVP) in Jinja.

The two day Expo considered to be one of the biggest annual events on the African continent- is   aimed at advancing Uganda’s transition to sustainable mobility, green industrialization, and technological transformation. The Expo will be held  under the theme: “Powering Innovation, Accelerating Industrialization, and Shaping Africa’s Green Future.”

At the  launch event, held at the Next Media Park in Kampala , the chief guest  Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, noted that the Expo is a proclamation of Uganda’s bold commitment to sustainable innovation, climate resilience, and inclusive growth.

“It is here that we showcase our transformative journey, from promise to impact in the economy, as we elevate homegrown solutions and position Uganda at the forefront of Africa’s green mobility movement,” she told  the well attended event graced by local and international stakeholders from government, industry, academia and the diplomatic community.

Dr. Musenero said that government’s  goal was to  position Uganda as a Net-Source rather than a consumer of E-Mobility Solutions in Africa .

“In order to build a robust, self-sustaining, and competitive E-Mobility ecosystem in Uganda, we are ensuring the following: a strong and well-coordinated E-Mobility Ecosystem. This ecosystem that is over 80-member strong is under the coordination of the Mobility Bureau, at the STI Secretariat and has over the past few years developed into a strong force with a shared voice and purpose,” she stated .

In a determined effort to position Uganda as a continental leader in the provision of e-mobility solutions ,Dr. Musenero said that government was also developing  the requisite Infrastructure to facilitate the country’s  E- mobility agenda by setting up manufacturing facilities like the Kiira Vehicle Plant, shared facilities for product development like the Deep Tech Center of Excellence, and a robust charging network across the country.

CEO of Next Media Services, Mr. Kin Kalisa greets STI Minister Dr. Monica Musenero at the launch of the KMC National E-Mobility Expo 2025, to be held on 18th – 19th September 2025 at the Kiira Vehicle Plant (KVP) in Jinja.

The minister further revealed that Uganda has set an ambitious target to attract investments worth over USD 1 Billion in E-mobility  by 2030.

“We are already 16% towards that target with USD 160 Million invested as of 2024, and USD 800M already in commitment over the next 5 years,” she added.

Development of the human capital required across the entire value chain from manufacturing to operations is another strategic intervention being undertaken with the government setting  up the Engineering Development and Innovation Center that will further skill engineers -the way LDC does to lawyers. “We are training our engineers for manufacturing using the factory model such that we build the critical mass of human capital to support our industries,” Musenero emphasised .

A jovial Kiira Motors CEO , Mr. Paul Isaac Musasizi said that the second edition of the National E-Mobility Expo 2025, was  a spirited affirmation of Uganda’s resolve to pioneer a cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive tomorrow.

“It marks a profound shift from passive aspiration to active transformation. Here, we are not change fans and analysts, we are engineering it, scaling it, and living it. This is the heartbeat of a nation on the move,’ he said.

Musasizi said that what has set Uganda’s e-mobility journey apart was its unique value proposition. “Our electric vehicles are tailored for local terrain, local needs, and local economies. They offer affordability without compromise, efficiency without pollution, and mobility without dependency.

For our customers, this means lower transport costs, cleaner air, and greater reliability. For entrepreneurs, it means new business models, franchise opportunities, and access to fiscal space that was previously out of reach. The Kayoola EVS buses, for example, are moving people while unlocking enterprise value, enabling operators to reinvest in service quality, expand routes, and create jobs.”

The writer is a media and comms consultant and advocate of the High Court of Uganda

The Success story of the E-Bus Xpress pilot in Jinja city

The E-Bus Xpress pilot in Jinja, Musasizi said was a shining example of what happens when government, industry, and community unite.

“It’s a blueprint for inclusive development, demonstrating how e-mobility can decarbonize cities, empower local talent, and drive economic transformation.

This expo is a convergence of visionaries. It is where policy meets product, where ideas meet infrastructure, and where Uganda’s green industrialization agenda finds its heartbeat,” he added.

According to the E-Mobility Outlook Report 2024, which was presented by Mr. Allan Muhumuza Team Leader Mobility Science, Technology & Innovation Secretariat – Office of the President, Uganda has mobilized over $160 million in investment, built capacity to produce 10,000 electric vehicles annually, and established more than 160 charging and swapping stations nationwide.

“The transition of mobility to Electric Mobility specifically presents an opportunity for Uganda to leap-frog in the automotive manufacturing with competitive indigenous technology fit-for-market within Africa’s unique environment,” Muhumuza stated .

Key partners for the National E-Mobility Expo 2025

Expo is supported by  key partners who include Kiira Motors Corporation, E-Bus Xpress, the Government Citizens Interaction Centre, and the Presidential CEO Forum among others.

Editor:msserwanga@gmail.com

Bank of Uganda To Issue New Guidelines To Mitigate Climate Related Financial Risks In The Banking Sector

By Moses Ssserwanga 

The Bank of Uganda is developing the Climate Risk Guidelines which will be issued soon to  provide clear direction on identifying, managing, and disclosing climate-related financial risks within the banking sector , BoU Governor Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, has said.

Governor Atingi-Ego said the Central Bank is also  developing climate stress testing tools in collaboration with the Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) to assess the resilience of financial institutions under various climate scenarios.

The new guidelines will be in tandem with the Bank of Uganda Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) 2024 framework which guide Supervised Financial Institutions (SFIs) to integrate environment, social, and governance principles into their  governance, risk management, and reporting.

 It draws from global best practices, including the GRI and ICMA Bond Principles, while being tailored to the East African context.

“ In partnership with MoFPED and other stakeholders, we are developing a taxonomy to define eligible green activities, reduce greenwashing, and enhance transparency in climate finance,” Atingi-Ego stated adding that together with the Uganda Bankers Association (UBA) and the Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS), the Central Bank is building capacity in green finance product development, risk assessment, data governance, and reporting.

Atingi-Ego was giving a key note address at the just concluded first  National Private Sector Engagement Forum on Climate Finance ( NaPSEF 1) held at Serena Hotel, Kampala.

The Governor called upon the banking sector to integrate climate considerations into their  business models- noting that it  is not only  a regulatory burden—it is a strategic imperative. “It presents a unique opportunity to align profitability with sustainability”.

“We encourage financial institutions to define the scope of their Sustainable Finance Frameworks (SFFs) in line with national sustainability goals. Develop exclusion lists to mitigate environmental and social risks and engage third-party reviewers for independent ESG assurance to enhance data reliability and transparency,” he stressed.

“I urge all public and private sector actors to collaborate more closely, invest more boldly, and plan more sustainably. ESG integration is not a distant goal—it is expected to become mainstream in Uganda within the next 2 to 5 years, he added .

Mr. Denis Mugaga, the Head of the Climate Finance Unit ,  told the well attended  forum that government of Uganda created a Climate Finance Unit in the Minsitry of Finance ,Planing and Economic Development  (MoFPED )to lead on the coordination of climate and green finance mobilization, expenditure and tracking.

“The work of the Climate Finance Unit commenced in March 2023 with the support of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and now with the European Union through the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI),” Mugaga said.

Mugaga revealed that the ministry has et up a National Green Taxonomy (NGT) 2025 to provide a clear criteria for classifying green projects. It aims at supporting the private sector to channel capital into investments that contribute to carbon reduction, climate resilience.

“ We have guidelines for mainstreaming climate actions in the financial sector 2024 which  provide financial institutions in Uganda with clear and practical steps on how climate action can be mainstreamed into their operations. This is in addition to the launch of the Uganda Carbon Markets Regulations & Fiscal Framework 2025  to support Uganda’s readiness to participate in carbon markets & guide fiscal requirements thereof,” he added .

Mr. Jim Mugunga , the Director Private Public Partnerships (PPP) at the Minsitry of Finance , underscored the importance of PPPs in primarily addressing infrastructure and service deficits.

By leveraging private sector capital, expertise and efficiencies, Mugunga argued , government is positioning itself to attract private capital to supplement its annual expenditure on infrastructure and services now at the tune of  Ug.Shs. 13.8 Trillion which amount is insufficient.

“ There is a need for alternative financing sources. PPPs advance the case for climate action by unlocking private capital,” Mugunga added.

Email ;msserwanga@gmail.com

Demand for Donkey Skins Fuelling Livelihood Crisis for Africa’s Women and Children

 

By Moses Sserwanga

New research presented to African leaders exposes theft and suffering as trade in donkey skins escalates

A new report launched at the Pan-African Donkey Conference (PADCo) has revealed the growing toll of the global donkey skin trade on African communities,
especially women and children in rural areas.

The research highlights widespread donkey theft and sharp drops in household income, warning of a mounting crisis driven by international demand for ejiao, a traditional medicine made from donkey gelatine.

Published by The Donkey Sanctuary, the report titled Stolen Donkeys, Stolen Futures reveals how up to 5.9 million donkeys are slaughtered globally each year to meet the demand for ejiao. With China’s donkey population already decimated, Africa has become a major source for this trade, threatening the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers and transport-dependent families.

The Donkey Sanctuary delegation at PADCo – left to right- Ian Cawsey, Otieno Mtula, Edie Bowles, Eduardo Santorum, Niall Duffy

“This trade is robbing African women of more than animals – it is robbing them of dignity, economic opportunity, and support in their daily lives,” said Dr David Obiero of Maasai Mara University and lead author of the study.

The report, backed by peer-reviewed research published in Human Animal Interaction, paints a grim picture: In one Kenyan community, 29 out of 30 women interviewed had their donkeys stolen.
In affected areas, household incomes fell by as much as 73% following the loss of a donkey. Women reported increased physical burden, emotional distress, and the breakdown of economic resilience after losing their animals.

Donkeys are essential for daily tasks including collecting water, transporting goods, and accessing markets. In many communities, they are seen as integral members of the household. One woman described her donkey as her “co-wife” due to the critical role it plays in supporting her family.

“When donkeys are stolen, families are thrown into hardship. Women are forced to carry firewood, water, and produce themselves. It’s painful to watch our communities suffer like this,” said Anne Odari Onditi, Treasurer of the Association of Donkey Owners in Kenya and contributor to the report.

Dr.Obiero

The report was unveiled at PADCo 2025, hosted by the African Union’s Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and supported by the International Coalition for Working Equids (ICWE). The event brought together policymakers, researchers, and civil society leaders to address the growing threat posed by the trade.

This follows the African Union’s bold decision in February 2024, when Member States agreed to a continent-wide moratorium on the slaughter of donkeys for their skins and committed to a strategy to protect the animals and the communities that depend on them.

“This research shows the clear link between animal welfare and human development,” said Marianne Steele, CEO of The Donkey Sanctuary. “The trade in donkey skins is not just a threat to animals. It is a threat to gender equality, food security, and rural livelihoods.”

Jessica Stark, Chair of ICWE, called on African governments to act swiftly, noting that, “Time is running out. We urge leaders to stand by their AU commitments, protect one of the continent’s most valuable working animals, and put an end to this destructive trade. Donkeys are more than animals. They are engines of development in rural Africa.”

About the author of the research:

David Obiero Oduori is a veterinarian with 17+ years of experience in livestock development, field research, and capacity building. He holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVM) from the University of Nairobi, a Master’s in International Animal Health from the University of Edinburgh, and is currently pursuing his PhD in Veterinary Public Health. David has led initiatives ranging from animal welfare advocacy and development of animal protection legislations to community-based programs for working equines. As a lecturer at Maasai Mara University, he focuses on applied research, training, and community outreach while mentoring future professionals.

Impact of the skin trade on Africa’s women and children

CHILDREN DENIED NUTRITION – Donkey theft sees children deprived of food and water simply to feed the ejiao industry. A woman without a donkey may be forced to leave her breastfeeding baby behind so that she can carry the load. Parents living in poverty struggle to provide food, healthcare and essential items for their children and may be forced to reduce meal sizes or to skip meals entirely.

PHYSICAL HARM – Heavy loads carried on the head or back cause physical injury and deterioration and can lead to severe musculoskeletal pain, 35 maternal and foetal health problems and psychological trauma.

CHILDREN – MOST OFTEN GIRLS – DENIED EDUCATION Without a donkey, parents often can’t afford to pay for school fees, uniforms or supplies. They also can’t spare the labour and day-to- day survival may force them to sacrifice their children’s education. This burden disproportionately falls to girls, further embedding gender inequality and cementing them into a lifetime of poverty and disadvantage.

EMOTIONAL TRAUMA – Women often develop deep and enduring bonds with their donkeys, and many experience profound grief when their donkeys are stolen and slaughtered.

STOLEN TIME – When a donkey is stolen, what was a single trip with a donkey to collect water or supplies becomes multiple trips, and many hours, with the woman carrying the load herself.

DECLINING LIVING STANDARDS AND SANITATION – Without a donkey, families can struggle to access all the provisions they need, and, in the case of water, this can lead to health and sanitary problems in families. Basic provisions fall beyond the reach of families.
Did you know
The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare charity dedicated to improving the lives of donkeys and mules worldwide. Headquartered in Devon, UK, the organization provides lifelong care to over 6,000 donkeys across the UK and Europe, through the ten sanctuaries and guardian homes, and reach about 447,00 more through its international programmes and partnerships.

The Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) is a specialized agency of the African Union Commission, dedicated to supporting and coordinating the sustainable development of Africa’s animal resources. Through its work, AU-IBAR contributes to food security, economic
growth, and environmental sustainability across the continent.

As a continental leader in donkey preservation, AU-IBAR spearheaded the adoption of the AU Moratorium on the Slaughter of Donkeys for Their Skins, protecting these vital animals and the communities that depend on them. AU-IBAR continues to advance strategic frameworks—such as the Pan African
Strategy for the Development of Donkey Species in Africa—and champions collaborative efforts with the International Coalition for Working Equids, Regional Economic Communities, Member States and development partners to improve donkey welfare, combat illicit trade, and integrate equine protection into national and regional development agendas.

Editor:msserwanga@gmail.com