Uganda Launches Electric Bus Network in Kampala

Kampala, Uganda – Uganda has taken a significant stride towards a greener and more modern urban transport system with the official launch of its first electric commuter bus service in the capital. This pioneering initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Works and Transport, marks a pivotal moment in the nation's commitment to electrify public transportation and curb harmful emissions. The initial route, connecting Ntinda and City Square via Kampala Road, is just the beginning of a comprehensive plan that aims to introduce electric buses to 14 cities across Uganda by 2030.

Operated by E-Bus Xpress, a subsidiary of the state-linked Kiira Motors Corporation, the service begins with an initial fleet of eight electric buses. These buses are set to run on a 15-minute headway, ensuring frequent and reliable service for commuters. The system also incorporates a fully cashless payment system, aligning with the broader push towards digitizing urban mobility and enhancing efficiency. This launch follows a successful pilot project in Jinja in late 2024, positioning Uganda among regional leaders like Kenya, Rwanda, and Ethiopia in embracing electric public transport.

Works and Transport Minister Edward Katumba Wamala highlighted the strategic importance of this transition, emphasizing its role in reducing Uganda's reliance on fuel imports and stabilizing commuter costs. "Every electric mile driven is capital saved from fuel imports," he stated, underscoring the economic benefits of shifting to domestically generated electricity. The government's ambitious long-term vision includes deploying 1,500 electric buses and 260 fast-charging stations nationwide by June 2030. Crucially, the locally manufactured Kayoola electric buses by Kiira Motors are central to this plan, serving as a cornerstone of Uganda's industrialization agenda and its drive for energy self-sufficiency. Beyond environmental and economic advantages, this initiative is viewed as a catalyst for job creation in sectors such as vehicle maintenance, charging infrastructure, and payment systems, while also integrating informal transport operators into a more formal and efficient system.

“

Every electric mile driven is capital saved from fuel imports.