President Yoweri Museveni on Friday commissioned the Kiira Vehicle Plant in Jinja, describing it as a milestone in Uganda’s pursuit of industrialisation and self-reliance.
The President commended Makerere University, Kiira Motors, and the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) for their role in making the project a reality, saying their success had dispelled doubts about Uganda’s ability to innovate and deliver.
“What many dismissed as a joke has now become a dream come true,” Museveni said, praising the determination of Sabalwanyi and the efforts of Mr. Paul Musasizi, Hon. Musenero, the Makerere team, and NEC.
Highlighting the global shift towards electric mobility, Museveni pointed out Uganda’s advantage with abundant lithium deposits in Ntungamo and other regions—resources he said would power the country’s green mobility ambitions.
He further noted that Uganda’s economy, currently growing at 7%, is expected to surpass 10% once oil production begins. The government, he added, also plans to process the country’s vast iron ore reserves in Kabale and Butogota into high-quality steel, reducing annual steel imports valued at over $900 million. Uganda’s iron ore, he said, is among the finest in the world.
“This commissioning is not just about vehicles. It is about building industries, creating jobs, and transforming our society,” Museveni stressed.
Developed through a partnership of Ugandan institutions, the Kiira Vehicle Plant is projected to position Uganda as a regional hub for automotive innovation and manufacturing