Uganda's taxi industry to electrify fleets starting November

The Uganda taxi industry is set to electrify its fleet, with plans to introduce electric vehicles (EVs) across the country starting in November. Hajji Rashid Ssekindi, chairman of the union of taxi operators and drivers, announced the move after a completed feasibility study.

The union has identified an 18-seater electric taxi manufactured by China's HIGER Bus Company as suitable and affordable for Uganda. Ssekindi reported that these new vehicles require no servicing and no fuel, with an average cost of approximately 100 million Ugandan shillings each.

“

We recently visited China to check what is available. We have come across an 18-seater taxi that we think is suitable for Uganda and affordable.

This initiative mirrors the electrification efforts seen in Uganda's motorcycle taxi (boda boda) sector. Ssekindi urged taxi leaders to educate their colleagues about the shift, citing rising fuel costs, the global push for green energy to reduce pollution, and advancements in automotive technology as key drivers.

While the feasibility study confirmed that electric taxis can operate in Uganda, Ssekindi noted that the local system will require modifications to accommodate the new technology and the country's specific environment. The union's business products advisor, Fred Ssenoga Bagenda, was part of the delegation that visited China to assess the vehicles and infrastructure.

“

Our visit to China was to learn more about taxi technology, assess road systems, and determine whether electric taxis can work in Uganda. From what we observed, they can work, but the system needs some modifications to fit our local environment.