Electric mobility (e-mobility) is at the core of Uganda’s concerted efforts not just to change from the present times riddled with the use of fossil fuels for the generation of energy but also to lead a sustainable, green, and clean future. The switch from Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs) is no longer a distant prospect we see over the horizon but a reality that has already burrowed its roots in the nation.
As the shift to electric vehicles becomes imminent, Uganda is taking strategic steps to foster the development and adoption of this technology. In this regard, the National Electric Mobility Strategy was developed and along with it, 7 e-mobility priorities were pinpointed as areas of initial focus in the journey towards positioning Uganda as a net source rather than a consumer of e-mobility tools and solutions.
Uganda’s National e-mobility priorities are;
- Local EV manufacturing and supply
The EV Manufacturing and Supply segment should not be mistaken to constitute only the production and distribution of electric vehicles such as electric cars and buses, electric trains, electric motorcycles, electric autorickshaws (commonly known as tuk-tuks), and electric bicycles. It also encompasses associated parts, components, and systems.
Some of these vehicle parts/components include; Electronics & Semiconductors, Automotive Lubricants, Brake Pads, Auxiliary Batteries, Wires and Wiring Harnesses, Fasteners, Tyres, and Tubes for Motorcycles among others.
This shows that electric vehicle manufacturers are not the only group that stands to benefit from this but also the manufacturers of the thousands of parts that are used in the assembly and production of the vehicle itself. They too have a share of the manufacturing and supply pie.
Therefore, building the capacity for local manufacturing of electric vehicles, associated parts, components, and systems will create employment opportunities, increase value addition along the mobility value chain, boost human capital development, and reduce the country’s dependence on imports while creating increasing export opportunities.
See also: Government pledges UGX32.5bn for completion of Kiira Motors’ industrial plant
- Local EV battery manufacturing
The cost incurred to manufacture a battery is said to account for between 40 and 60% of the total cost of the EV. With domestic production of the battery lies the opportunity for increased value addition within the e-mobility value chain. Moreover, Uganda is gifted with an abundance of deposits including lithium, cobalt, nickel, iron, manganese, and phosphate which are the main inputs used in lithium-ion battery manufacturing.
- Electrification of public transport
Kampala’s glaring traffic congestion and pollution emanating from the multitude of petrol and diesel passenger taxis and motorcycles on its roads is testament enough to the extent of CO2 emissions and overall environmental hazard posed. As arguably the largest contributor to air pollution in the city, public transport electrification could contribute to a large dip in the level of pollution and hence make for a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Implementation of an electric public transport system, that is, a system made up of high-capacity electric buses, electric motorcycles, and trains will greatly contribute to combating the issues regarding congestion and pollution not just in Kampala but also in other cities in the country.
See also: Uganda’s e-Mobility progress: when will electric trains be tested?
- Establishment of a charging network
One of the leading factors deterring people from acquiring EVs is range anxiety which drives them to be nervous about the possibility of not being able to reach their destinations if they run out of charge and they cannot access a swap station. Swap stations are the backbone of e-mobility adoption and absence of an adequate, robust, and convenient swap network, the success of the e National e-mobility Strategy is jeopardized.
- E-Mobility human capital development
According to the National Electric Mobility Strategy, Uganda’s e-mobility value chain can generate over half a million high-quality job opportunities by 2040. Highly skilled personnel that constantly adjust and upskill — are a valuable asset in staying up to date with the value chain’s rapid technological developments.
- EV uptake
While findings indicate a strong interest in the electric vehicle market, a couple of factors are still stifling its demand among which are range anxiety, perceived high cost, and limited charging infrastructure But how can the government directly foster the uptake of EVs? It can electrify its entire fleet, a move that will result in an upsurge in demand for local manufacturers and showcase the government’s dedication to the cause.
- E-mobility standards development
Industry standards and regulations across the entire ecosystem and value chain are necessary to streamline activities, ensure environmental protection as well as guarantee the quality and safety of the products and services produced and sold by industry players.
Fully transitioned to e-mobility in public transport and motorcycles by 2030 and passenger vehicle sales by 2040, these seven (7) priorities lay out a clear and ambitious roadmap for Uganda’s sustainable transport future and are guided by the all-encompassing vision of Uganda’s National Electric Mobility Strategy which is to see “Uganda fully transitioned to e-mobility in public transport and motorcycles by 2030 and passenger vehicle sales by 2040”.
