Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, unveiled the country’s first public electric vehicle (EV) charging station on Wednesday evening. Located at Amber House along Kampala Road, the state-of-the-art facility marks the launch of a pilot project aimed at accelerating electric mobility, reducing carbon emissions, and signaling Uganda’s commitment to a greener future.
The newly inaugurated station, equipped with two high-powered 160KW DC fast chargers, is designed to make EV adoption “more accessible, convenient, and practical for businesses and individuals alike.” DC fast chargers, which can replenish an EV battery to 80% capacity in under 30 minutes, represent a critical step in addressing “range anxiety” — a common barrier to EV uptake. By prioritizing efficiency and affordability, the government hopes to encourage a shift away from fossil fuel-dependent transport, which accounts for a significant portion of Uganda’s carbon emissions.
“This initiative highlights our commitment to providing efficient, affordable EV infrastructure and reducing reliance on fossil fuels,” said Nankabirwa during the launch. “With more stations planned, we’re paving the way for a cleaner, greener future.” She emphasized that the project aligns with global climate goals and Uganda’s national targets under the Paris Agreement.
Nankabirwa underscored the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors. She extended gratitude to key partners, including NCBA Bank, Zembo, Gogo Electric, UNDP Uganda, GIZ Uganda, Kiira Motors, and eBee for their technical and financial support. “Together with the government, these partners are transforming the transport sector with green technologies,” she noted.
NCBA Bank Uganda, for instance, has been instrumental in financing clean energy projects, while Zembo and Gogo Electric specialize in electric motorcycles and charging solutions, respectively. Kiira Motors, Uganda’s flagship automotive manufacturer, has also ventured into EV production, signaling local industry readiness to embrace sustainable innovation.
Notably, NCBA Bank is the first bank in Uganda to install an EV charging station at their headquarters at Twed Towers in Nakasero, reinforcing their commitment to green mobility. In addition, they also introduced a Hyundai Kona EV into their fleet, because leading change means leading by example.
“NCBA is committed to financing the adoption of green mobility across Uganda. We have introduced lower interest rates on EVs and motorcycles and offer free access to our EV charging station to accelerate this transition,” said Adad Iraguha, Head of Asset Finance, NCBA Uganda. “With transport contributing 8% of Uganda’s carbon emissions and 25% of global energy-related CO₂ emissions, shifting to a zero-carbon transport system is not just important, it’s necessary.”
NCBA much like other EV companies recognizes that transportation is a key contributor to carbon emissions, and they are committed to driving sustainable financing solutions to support Uganda’s shift towards electric vehicles. businesses to embrace clean energy transport.
Stakeholders have urged further policy interventions to fast-track progress. Infrastructure expansion must be paired with incentives to make EVs economically viable for consumers. In addition, the government needs to step up more and push the agenda through EV procurement and tax exemptions that will accelerate progress. Industry experts argue that reducing import duties on EVs, offering subsidies for local assembly, and integrating electric buses into public transit systems could spur demand.
The government is expected to expand charging networks beyond Kampala to major cities like Jinja, Mbarara, and Entebbe —which will be critical to nationwide adoption.
It is reported that the government plans to create a National Charging System (NCS) by 2030 that will cover at least 25% of the electrified total fleet. Once the National Charging System is up and running, it will provide stability, and help investors and users to get into the EV space.
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Uganda’s transport sector, heavily reliant on imported petrol and diesel, faces mounting pressure to curb emissions and mitigate air pollution. The EV charging station pilot provides a tangible foundation for this transition. However, challenges remain, including high upfront costs of EVs and limited public awareness. However, the government expresses its confidence in the country’s preparedness to overcome hurdles.
Launching Uganda’s first public EV charging station is more than a symbolic gesture — it is a strategic leap toward redefining the nation’s energy and transport landscape. By prioritizing accessibility, partnerships, and forward-thinking policies, Uganda is laying the groundwork for a future where electric mobility is not just viable but mainstream.
See also: Karaa Africa CEO, Mutabazi Debunks Some Common Misconceptions About Electric Vehicles
