By Moses Sserwanga
Uganda’ s Automotive Industry flagship, Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) has embarked on a massive skilling program for Ugandans -ahead of mass commercial production of vehicles at their Vehicle Plant at the Jinja Industrial and Business Park next year .
At least 50 new KMC staff are now undergoing an intensive skills training program at Luwero Industries in Nakasongola where Uganda’s automakers are building buses for the local and regional markets .
Kiira Motors are now taking orders to deliver buses both electric and internal combustion engines ones with the government of Uganda taking an initial order through the Ministry of Transports -company executives have revealed.
The bus chassis and frame localization training of the initial group of 50 factory workers will last at least three months and the lucky selected Ugandans were all but excited about the opportunity to build and produce -vehicles made in Uganda. “ This is a life time opportunity and I thank God for it . I cant wait to get onto the vehicles production line once we complete the training ,” one of the trainees stated .
The Kiira Motors Corporation CEO , Mr. Paul Isaac Musasizi said that with specialised funding for skilling the company is ready to scale -up the training to over 1,000 skilled Ugandans every three months -to create a critical mass of skilled labour -force for the rapid development of Uganda’s nascent automotive industry.
“ The trainees are given skills that make them employable even in other sectors such as the oil pipeline construction and furniture industry,” Musasizi stated .
The central government will be assured of at least an estimated UGShs. 270 billion over a five-year period together with the local governments in Kampala, Wakiso and Mukono once industry captains – Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) starts initial production at their vehicle plant -early in the new year.
The Kiira Vehicle Plant that has been constructed by the UPDF Engineering Brigade under NEC will have a capacity of producing 5,000 vehicles a year and 22 everyday .
The new recruits honing their skills
Supply chain localisation is key for KMC’s immediate strategy -to not only reduce costs and add value to local minerals but to have at least 65% components of all the company’s vehicles manufactured local by various industries across the automotive industry value chain by the year 2030.
KMC is aiming at both the private and government markets to offtake its production. So far KMC products -the Kayoola fully electric buses and Kayoola Diesel Coach are offering shuttle services to the staff of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on a daily basis for the last two years .
Building the indigenous mobility industry provides an unprecedented opportunity for promoting value addition to Uganda’s mineral and other natural resources; as well employment creation for Ugandans, contribution to economic growth and poverty reduction within the context of a green
and circular economy.
The global value of the automotive industry will hit the – 9 Trillion US dollars mark by the year 2030 with 109 million vehicles produced annually and African economies-Ugandan inclusive should be seen taking the right steps to position themselves and benefit from the immense opportunities on offer.
The writer is a Media and Communications consultant ,Trainer and Advocate of the High Court of Uganda
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