Kampala, Uganda – In a significant strategic move to accelerate growth and foster innovation within Uganda’s burgeoning automotive industry, the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) has appointed a specialized interim committee. This new body is tasked with championing policy advocacy and boosting the sector’s overall competitiveness, signaling a concerted effort to organize and amplify the voice of automotive manufacturers and assemblers.

The committee brings together a wealth of diverse experience from key segments of the industry, reflecting a clear vision that encompasses both traditional manufacturing and the future of electric mobility. The appointed members are:

• Eng. Albert Akovuku, Director of Production at Kiira Motors Corporation, Uganda’s flagship state-owned enterprise for vehicle manufacturing.
• Mr. Ssentamu Semeo, Sales & Marketing Officer at Dura Motors Ltd, a key player in vehicle sales and distribution.
• Ms. Nakigudde Moreen, Supply Chain Lead at Zembo Electric, a pioneer in the electric motorcycle (‘boda boda’) market in Uganda.

The composition of this committee is particularly strategic. It unites leaders from national vehicle manufacturing (Kiira Motors), private sector sales and market development (Dura Motors), and the critical and rapidly growing e-mobility sub-sector (Zembo Electric). This blend of expertise ensures that the committee’s advocacy will be comprehensive, addressing the needs of established manufacturers, assemblers, and innovators driving the electric transition.

Eng. Akovuku brings deep insights into the challenges and opportunities of local vehicle production, while Mr. Ssentamu provides crucial perspectives on market dynamics, consumer behaviour, and competition from imports. Ms. Nakigudde’s expertise in supply chain management for electric vehicles is vital as the industry navigates the complexities of sourcing components like batteries and building new infrastructure.

A Mandate to Drive Competitiveness

The interim committee’s primary mandate is to advocate for policies that create a more favourable business environment for the automotive industry. Key focus areas are expected to include:

• Developing a National Automotive Policy: Championing the finalization and implementation of a cohesive policy to guide investment, local content development, and technology transfer.
• Addressing Taxation and Incentives: Tackling issues around high taxes on raw materials and components, while advocating for incentives that encourage local assembly and manufacturing, particularly for electric vehicles.
• Promoting Local Content: Creating frameworks that encourage the local manufacturing of automotive parts and accessories, thereby reducing import dependency and creating jobs.
• Enhancing Quality Standards: Working to establish and enforce quality standards to ensure locally made products are safe, reliable, and competitive.

This initiative is timely, aligning with Uganda’s broader industrial policy and the National Development Plan (NDP III). As the nation looks to capitalize on opportunities from a skilled workforce and developments like the nearly complete oil refinery, a well-organized automotive sector is crucial for driving industrialization.

The formation of this UMA-backed committee represents a unified front for the industry, providing a structured platform for engaging with government and other stakeholders to address long-standing hurdles and unlock the immense potential for growth and innovation in Uganda’s automotive landscape.