Uganda is taking a major step towards embracing electric mobility with the launch of the Uganda Electric Mobility Association (UEMA) and the introduction of significant government incentives to support the rapidly growing EV industry. This move signals the country’s commitment to not just adopting electric vehicles, but also becoming a producer of EV technology.
This push for local EV production comes on the heels of a recent policy shift. As reported by Innovation Village in July 2024, the Ugandan government reinstated a 25% import duty on fully built electric vehicles to encourage domestic manufacturing. While this has increased the cost of imported EVs, it aims to stimulate local production and reduce reliance on foreign vehicles.
UEMA will serve as a platform for stakeholders in the electric mobility sector to collaborate, advocate for policies that support EV adoption, and raise awareness about the benefits of electric vehicles. The association will play a crucial role in driving the growth of the EV market in Uganda and positioning the country as a leader in electric mobility in Africa.
“Today’s event is a significant milestone for us as players,” said Jackie Baziima, President of UEMA. “We’re coming together as a body to lobby for fiscal incentives, create awareness about e-mobility, and highlight the innovations happening in the sector.”
The government is also playing a key role in promoting EV adoption. Incentives include VAT exemptions on locally made EVs and a 10-year income tax break for companies involved in local EV production. These measures aim to stimulate investment in the sector and make electric vehicles more affordable for Ugandans.
One of the main challenges facing EV adoption in Uganda, as in many other countries, is the high cost of EVs. However, the government is actively working on solutions to address this, including import duty exemptions on EV parts and exploring further tax breaks for local EV manufacturers.
The environmental and economic benefits of EVs are a key driver of Uganda’s push for electric mobility. Monica Azuba Ntege, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, highlighted the importance of e-mobility in combating climate change and creating economic opportunities.
“E-mobility enables us to participate in saving the climate,” she said. “But this participation is different; we are participating as technology producers, producing vehicles and parts and selling them first to ourselves and then to the world.”
To support the growth of the EV industry, Makerere University has partnered with Kiira Motors and the UNDP to launch a new skilling program in EV technologies and engineering. This program will equip students with the skills needed to design, build, and maintain electric vehicles, contributing to the development of a local EV ecosystem.
Expanding charging infrastructure is another key focus area. UEMA is working with both the public and private sectors to increase the availability of charging stations across the country, making it more convenient for EV owners to charge their vehicles.
The launch of UEMA and the government’s commitment to supporting the EV industry signal a collaborative approach to driving electric mobility in Uganda. By working together, stakeholders can address challenges, promote the benefits of EVs, and create a sustainable and thriving electric vehicle ecosystem in the country.
