President Yoweri Museveni has commissioned the multi -billion Kiira Vehicle Plant (KVP) in Jinja. The Plant is operated by Uganda’s mobility industry flagship- Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC).
Company officials said that the Kiira Vehicle Plant is a continental landmark, the largest, most competent and most advanced bus manufacturing facility in Africa.
“This facility demonstrates our commitment to building a self-sustaining economy. We are not only going to assemble vehicles here but also gradually integrate local content, ensuring that Ugandans are at the forefront of automotive innovation,” he said.
“ Uganda’s economy is currently growing at 7% and is expected to exceed 10% once our oil production begins. We have a clear vision for what will transform our society.
We also plan to process our rich iron ore reserves into high-quality steel, which will significantly reduce our dependence on steel imports that currently cost over $900 million annually. Uganda is fortunate to have some of the best iron ore in the world, located in Kabale and Butogota,” President Museveni told a cheering audience at the colourful event. He also used the occasion to hand over electric buses for Makerere university and Tanzania’s capital city Dar es Salaam.
Cabinet ministers, members of parliament, diplomats, business leaders and local leaders attended the event, praising the initiative as a bold step toward positioning Uganda as a regional automotive hub.
Dr. Monica Musenero- Masanza the Minister of STI assured the President of her team’s commitment to fully implement his 2021 directive to grow Uganda’s economy based on the firm foundation of science and technology.
“Your Excellency, this plant is a cornerstone of your vision. More innovations will be unveiled during your next term as part of our commitment to transform the economy. “We have been making buses, but today we are unveiling for the whole world to see what we have built here. We are saying to the world: here we are, Africa here we are, ” she stated.
The CEO of Kiira Motors Corporation ,Mr. Paul Isaac Musasizi, said the Kiira vehicle Plant will help to reduce ‘haemorrhage’ of an annual vehicle import bill now standing at over $800 million while creating more than 14,000 jobs across the automotive value chain.
“We are champions of local value addition, with a target to have 65% of our vehicle parts locally produced by 2030. We are already sourcing materials like Auto Paints, Workshop Supplies like LPG, Wielding Gas, Adhesives, Foam, etc from local suppliers, while also developing local capacity for components such as seats, glass, and ultimately EV battery,” Musasizi stated .
“ The plant is central to KMC’s strategy to enhance supply chain resilience and drive local industrial growth. Over and above vehicle production, KMC is shaping the future of transport through modern mobility terminals, smart bus stops, and Africa’s first rural EV charging stations in Butebo and Iganga,” he added.
The Manufacturing Process at the Kiira Vehicle Plant
The plant has a comprehensive, end-to-end manufacturing process that includes a Body Shop for frame and body production, a Paint Shop for corrosion protection and decoration, a Chassis Systems Shop for the integration of vital systems (Steering, Brake, Suspension & Pwertrain), a Trim and Assembly Shop, and finally, a Quality Inspection and Testing Shop with a dedicated test track.
“We are champions of local value addition, with a target to have 65% of our vehicle parts locally produced by 2030. We are already sourcing materials like Auto Paints, Workshop Supplies like LPG, Wielding Gas, Adhesives, Foam, etc from local suppliers, while also developing local capacity for components such as seats, glass, and ultimately EV battery,” KMC officials explained
About KMC products
KMC officials said the company’s product design philosophy is- to deliver a comprehensive mobility solution that addresses the unique challenges of Uganda’s and Africa’s Road Infrastructure, while exceeding customer expectations.
“ Our vehicles are meticulously engineered products with advanced features that meet and exceed international standards for comfort, safety, and environmental stewardship.
We have integrated unparalleled features to ensure a total premium experience, including WIFI, advanced HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, and ECAS (Electronically Controlled Air Suspension) for a smoother ride on the backdrop of international regulations for Survival Space Protection in light of a Crash or Rollover.
We go further by including a refrigerator, panoramic windows, three-point seat belts, and reclining seats with arm and footrests to ensure a truly premium and secure journey. Critically, we have integrated support for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), making our buses accessible and inclusive for every Ugandan,” they explained.
About Kiira Motors Corporation
Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) is Uganda’s flagship Mobility Innovation and Industrialization Enterprise, leading the nation’s transition to sustainable mobility and inclusive industrial growth. With a bold vision to build a Regional Mobility Ecosystem, KMC is shaping an industry, a movement, and a legacy that positions Uganda as a net source of mobility solutions in the multi-trillion-dollar global mobility market.
KMC’s mission is anchored on Four Strategic Pillars: People, Product, Plant, and Mobility Infrastructure, underpinned by Policy, Standards, and Regulation. This integrated approach aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040, NDP IV, and the National e-Mobility Strategy, while advancing the SDGs and Africa’s STISA 2024 priorities. It also complements the KCCA Transport Master Plan, driving clean, efficient urban mobility.
Editor;msserwanga@gmail.com
