Transportation has taken a significant step towards a greener future of Africa with the recent launch of the 2024 Kayoola EVS, an electric bus by Kiira Motors Corporation in Ugandan. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in Uganda's push for sustainable transportation solutions.
The 2024 Kayoola EVS, a state-of-the-art electric bus, was unveiled by Kiira Motors Corporation, showcasing a fleet of eight 8-meter buses. This launch, closely following World Environment Day, emphasizes the company's dedication to environmental sustainability and their vision of a cleaner, greener future for Uganda and Africa at large.
Prof. Sandy Stevens Tickodri-Togboa, Executive Chairman of Kiira Motors, expressed immense pride in the company’s innovative leap towards eco-friendly transportation. “We’re proud to be contributing to Uganda’s push towards becoming a net source of e-Mobility Solutions in Africa,” he stated during the launch event. This sentiment was echoed by the profound need for sustainable transportation solutions in urban areas like Kampala, where air pollution has become a pressing health concern.
The inaugural journey of the Kayoola EVS was a 236-kilometre trip from Luwero to Kawempe, passing through the Northern Bypass with a brief stopover at the Kisaasi roundabout before continuing to Bweyogerere and finally reaching Jinja. This journey not only showcased the bus's capabilities but also highlighted its readiness to tackle the demands of modern urban transportation.
Prof. Tickodri-Togboa highlighted the urgent need for sustainable transportation, stating, “Following World Environment Day, we are reminded that more Ugandan public and private sector players need to embrace environmentally sustainable means of mass transit for the good of the environment, with solutions like the Kiira Motors portfolio of products.”
The 2024 8-Meter Kayoola EVS is designed with versatility and modern urban needs in mind. It boasts a range of 200 kilometers per charge, accommodating up to 56 passengers. The bus is equipped with cutting-edge amenities, including infotainment systems, CCTV cameras, and Wi-Fi, ensuring both efficiency and passenger comfort. This blend of technological integration and sustainability sets the Kayoola EVS apart in the urban transit market.
Eng. Ian John Kavuma, Kiira Motors’ Quality Inspection and Testing Manager, elaborated on the company's strategy to support the infrastructure necessary for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in Uganda. “We are in the process of onboarding several partners with whom we shall work to ensure that a robust charging network is established across the country in line with the National E-Mobility Strategy for a seamless electric vehicle ownership experience,” he explained.
The 2024 Kayoola EVS model comes in various lengths and capacities, offering flexible solutions tailored to diverse urban transportation needs. This adaptability ensures that Kiira Motors can cater to a wide range of public and private transport requirements, promoting a broader shift towards sustainable urban mobility. While Kiira Motors continues to pioneer eco-friendly transportation solutions, their commitment to innovation and sustainability sets a strong example for other African nations. The launch of the Kayoola EVS signifies not only a step forward for Uganda but also a promising future for sustainable transportation across the continent.
