Uganda’s Ambassadors Tour Kiira Vehicle Plant to Market Kayoola Buses Globally

Uganda's ambassadors serving in foreign missions recently visited the Kiira Vehicle Plant (KVP) in Jinja, expressing their commitment to promoting and marketing the Kayoola buses across regional, continental, and international markets. The delegation, led by Ambassador Philip Odida, the Director of Regional and International Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was warmly received by key figures at Kiira Motors, including the Executive Chairman, Prof. Sandy Stevens Tickodri-Togboa, the Director of Finance and Administration, Arthur Tumusiime Asiimwe, the Director of Product Development, Eng. Richard Madanda, and Ms. Thatcher Nakimuli Mpanga, who represented the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Monica Musenero.

During the visit, Ambassador Odida emphasized the crucial role that Uganda's ambassadors play in advancing the country’s interests abroad. He underscored the importance of their efforts in showcasing the viability and quality of Ugandan-made vehicles, particularly the Kayoola buses, to international markets. "We commend Kiira Motors for spearheading the development of Uganda’s automotive industry," Odida stated. "We will leverage all the resources at our disposal to ensure that Uganda’s premium products, such as the Kayoola buses, are promoted and marketed effectively in both regional and international markets."

The Kiira Vehicle Plant, currently in the final stages of its first phase of construction by the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) under the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), is nearing 98% completion. Once fully operational, the plant will have the capacity to produce 22 buses per day, totaling up to 5,000 buses annually. Among the vehicles produced by Kiira Motors are the Kayoola Electric Vehicles (EVS), fully electric buses that have gained significant attention, and the Kayoola Diesel Coaches (KDC), catering to a broader range of customer needs.

The ambassadors, more than 70 in total, were given an extensive tour of the Kiira Vehicle Plant, which is recognized as the largest of its kind in East and Central Africa. The tour included key areas of the facility such as the body shop, paint booths, chassis line, trim line, and quality inspection and testing units. These areas highlighted the advanced production capabilities of KVP and demonstrated Uganda's potential in the automotive sector.

The visit by the ambassadors marks a significant step in the internationalization efforts of Kiira Motors. Their support is expected to open doors to new markets and partnerships, further solidifying Uganda's position in the global automotive industry. By promoting the Kayoola buses, the ambassadors are not only helping to boost Uganda’s export potential but also contributing to the country's economic development by showcasing a homegrown innovation on the world stage.

“The core business of Kiira Motors Corporation is to develop make and sale sustainable mobility solutions for Africa. We are willing to undertake a market survey for the different countries on the continent to offer them a mobility solution that suits their needs”. Prof. Tickodri stated.

The commitment by the ambassadors to advocate for Uganda's automotive products is a testament to the collaborative effort between Kiira Motors and the government. This partnership aims to elevate Uganda's industrial capabilities and create a sustainable and competitive automotive industry that can thrive both locally and globally. With the ambassadors' backing, Kiira Motors is poised to make significant inroads into the international market, setting the stage for the expansion of Uganda’s automotive industry and the increased visibility of its products worldwide.

The Ambassadors and their Accounting officers used the Kayoola EVS buses from Jinja City to the Kiira Vehicle Plant. They were undergoing an Ambassadors' Conference from 26-30 August 2024 at the Civil Service College, Uganda (CSCU), Jinja City under the theme, 'Strengthening Governance and Performance of the Foreign Service for National Development'.

?