As the world commemorates the 55th anniversary of Earth Day today, more than a billion people across 192 countries are uniting under the theme “Our Power, Our Planet.” This year’s call is both a challenge and an invitation to commit to renewable energy and work collectively to triple global renewable energy generation by 2030. At the heart of this mission is a belief in people-powered change through grassroots efforts that reshape industries, uplift communities, and protect the environment. In Uganda, this transformation is already underway through a vibrant and growing electric mobility movement that is redefining how people move, live, and breathe.
Transportation remains one of the most carbon-intensive sectors globally, and Uganda is no exception. The country’s roads are filled with internal combustion engine vehicles, especially petrol-powered boda bodas that significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and urban air pollution. Yet, Uganda also holds one of Africa’s most promising clean energy advantages that is, a power grid already fueled by over 90% renewable energy primarily from hydropower. This makes the shift to electric vehicles not only a viable solution but an exceptionally impactful one.
Ugandan innovators are seizing this opportunity to bring electric mobility to the streets in ways that are practical, affordable, and built for local conditions. Kiira Motors Corporation continues to make strides with its electric buses, such as the Kayoola EVS, reducing emissions from public transport while boosting local manufacturing and jobs. In the fast-growing 2-wheeler sector, GOGO Electric, Spiro, and Zembo are transforming urban mobility by deploying electric motorcycles, supported by battery swap stations and flexible ownership models that reduce costs and carbon footprints.
Companies like Karaa Africa are expanding the scope of clean transport even further with electric bicycles, offering a sustainable and accessible solution for urban dwellers and delivery services alike.
Meanwhile, Yongeza Capital is playing a crucial role in scaling Uganda’s EV infrastructure by partnering with mobility companies to install automated battery swapping stations, ensuring that charging is fast, reliable, and built for the demands of growing fleets. To further increase accessibility, financiers like Watu Credit and Mogo are stepping in to provide flexible financing options that empower more riders and fleet owners to adopt electric vehicles without the burden of high upfront costs.
See also: Karaa Africa CEO, Mutabazi debunks some common misconceptions about electric vehicles
This momentum speaks directly to Earth Day 2025’s message that clean, abundant, and equitable energy is not a distant dream but a reality that’s already within reach. And in Uganda, that reality is taking shape through the everyday actions of riders, engineers, entrepreneurs, and commuters. The benefits, such as reduced air pollution, improved public health, lower transport costs, and a reduction in the fossil fuel imports that strain national economies, are tangible.
Beyond its environmental and economic impacts, Uganda’s electric mobility revolution is an example of how climate action can be deeply local and deeply empowering. By creating technology that fits the social and economic context of Ugandans, these companies are showing that sustainability is not just about cutting emissions but also about improving lives. And in doing so, they are proving that climate resilience and social equity can go hand in hand.
Earth Day’s long-standing power has always come from the people. It’s a reminder that global change starts at the grassroots, and that individual actions, when united by purpose, can reshape entire systems. Uganda’s growing fleet of electric vehicles is a living symbol of that belief. It shows that bold climate action isn’t limited to high-tech labs or global summits; it can begin on a dusty road in Kampala or a workshop in Jinja.
This Earth Day, as we reflect on the theme Our Power, Our Planet, Uganda stands as a model of what’s possible when clean energy meets community-driven innovation. The electric mobility movement here isn’t just about transportation, it’s about rewriting the future with cleaner air, stronger economies, and more resilient communities. It’s a story of action and one the world can learn from as we race together toward a renewable energy future.
