Parliamentary Committee Assesses Progress of Electric Transit Pilot in Jinja City
Jinja City, Uganda – May 2025
The Parliamentary Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation, led by its Chairperson Alex Niyonsaba who also doubles as Bufumibira South MP, has undertaken an oversight visit to Jinja City to assess the implementation progress of Uganda’s pilot Electric Mass-Transit System. The visit aimed to provide Members of Parliament with firsthand insight into the emerging issues, opportunities, and challenges associated with the electric transit system in the
The electric buses, manufactured by Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC), are part of Uganda’s broader strategy to transition to electric mobility. The strategy envisions the mobility sector contributing 12.5% to national GDP and creating over 500,000 green jobs by 2030.
During the oversight tour, the committee examined several aspects of the project, including the number of deployed electric buses and motorbikes, the capacity of the system in terms of skilled staff, and the mechanism through which passengers access the e-transport cards. The committee also explored how the system compares with conventional transport and the readiness for national and rural rollout.
According to the STI Ministerial Policy Statement for FY 2024/25, a total of 100 certified E-Bus operators have been trained, and the first bus bearing a Uganda Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) was successfully registered in 2024.
Speaking during the visit, the committee chairperson emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, especially regarding job creation, localization of bus components, and Uganda’s plans to supply 3,700 electric buses to West Africa.
The committee also sought updates on key policy instruments, including the Open Access E-Mobility Databank and Draft Guidelines for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations, both outlined in the STI Ministerial Policy Statement for FY2025/26.
As Parliament deepens its oversight role in science, technology, and innovation, the findings from the Jinja visit are expected to guide strategic decisions on scaling up e-mobility initiatives across the country.
