Uganda’s Ministry of Energy has inaugurated two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Kampala to support the growth of the electric mobility industry in the country.
The Ministry is entering into partnerships with private sector companies including Gogo Electric and Zembo to accelerate investments in electric mobility infrastructure including chargers for two and three-wheeler transportation.
“We can’t ignore the global trend. China, for instance, has already transitioned 40% of their fleet to electric mode. We must be ready for the influx,” stated Irene Bateebe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy.
Up to 140,000 two wheelers and over 3000 charging stations will be deployed as part of a deal signed between the Ministry of Works and Transport and electric mobility firm Spiro in March 2023. The rollout is expected to reduce operational costs for the three-wheeler transport operators by 40%.
The government is manufacturing electric busses and cars under the Kiira Kayoola Bus Initiatives, with 27 buses manufactured by early June 2024.
The increase in EV penetration globally is driving the demand for critical minerals, added Bateebe and Uganda is reforming its policies to add value to local industries while supporting the importation of EV technologies in-country.
EVs are exempted from VAT, stamp duty and income tax in the 2024/2025 financial year.
