Yoweri Museveni, who is seeking another term in Uganda’s leadership, said the country’s economy is growing at a rate of 7% and he expects that rate to exceed 10% once Uganda begins extracting and trading petroleum-based products.

He said, “We have a concrete vision for what can transform the lives of our people.”

President Museveni stated that the factory will help the country process its mineral resources into durable products, reducing the need to rely on expensive imports that cost around 900 million dollars annually.

He mentioned that Uganda is known for its natural mineral wealth, particularly in Kabale and Butogota. The vehicles produced at the factory will be electric, which President Museveni said aligns with Uganda’s vision to reduce air-polluting emissions.

The factory will also require lithium, which Uganda reportedly has in Ntungamo and other parts of the country.

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President Museveni thanked experts from Makerere University who are skilled in automobile production, particularly those associated with Kiira Motors, as well as the Uganda Ministry of Industry.

He said their work demonstrates that development is possible, overcoming skepticism and showing the country’s own capabilities and personally oversaw the assembly of these large buses at the Kiira EV Plant.

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Construction of the factory began in 2018 and it will produce fully electric vehicles as well as hybrid vehicles that use both fuel and electricity. It will particularly help Uganda’s youth enhance their skills and provide them with employment opportunities.