In a significant milestone for Uganda’s industrialization journey, President Yoweri Museveni has commissioned Kiira Motors Corporation, a vehicle manufacturing plant in Jinja.
The plant, constructed by the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), marks a major step towards Uganda’s economic independence and self-reliance.
During the commissioning ceremony, President Museveni emphasized the importance of political economy and industrialization in driving the country’s development.
He highlighted the potential for vertical integration, using locally sourced materials, such as steel and lithium, to manufacture vehicles. The president also noted that the plant will help reduce Uganda’s reliance on imported vehicles, saving the country $800 million annually.
The Kiira Motors Corporation plant will initially produce 2,500 vehicles per year, with plans to scale up to 10,000 units once additional investment is secured. The plant’s production will not only cater to the local market but also position Uganda as a regional hub for sustainable mobility solutions.
The president’s vision for industrialization is evident in the plant’s design, which incorporates local materials and labor. The plant’s construction is a testament to the country’s potential for self-reliance and economic growth.
According to General Joram Mugume, Chairperson of NEC, the project demonstrates the government’s commitment to developing the automotive industry in Uganda.
He praised the leadership of Kiira Motors Corporation for its commitment to the project and thanked the president for his vision and guidance.
The commissioning of Kiira Motors Corporation is a significant step towards Uganda’s industrialization and economic growth.
“As the country continues to invest in manufacturing and infrastructure development, we can expect to see increased economic activity and job creation”, Says Mugume.
Mugume adds that “the plant’s impact will be felt beyond the automotive industry, with potential for job creation and economic growth in related sectors such as steel, leather and electronics”.
With this development, Uganda takes a giant leap towards industrialization, and it will be exciting to see the impact it has on the country’s economy and people.
