As the world accelerates toward sustainable transportation, emerging voices in Uganda are weighing whether the country is ready to embrace electric mobility and remain tethered to fossil fuels.
The nation’s current dependence on aging second-hand internal combustion engines presents both challenges and opportunities for a transformative shift toward electric vehicles (EVs).
Data from the Uganda Revenue Authority reveals a stark reality: with over 50,000 vehicles imported in 2023 and a total fleet of 1.8 million vehicles, EVs constitute less than 0.5 per cent of the national fleet.
However, emerging trends in the motorcycle taxi (boda boda) sector suggest that change is not only possible but potentially inevitable. The electric motorcycle segment has emerged as an early success story, driven by compelling economic and environmental advantages.
Yet, the broader EV adoption faces significant obstacles. The passenger vehicle market remains hesitant, deterred by prohibitive purchase prices and a severely limited charging infrastructure.
Currently, Kampala boasts only two charging stations, established by the ministry of Energy and Mineral Development in 2024 – a number wholly inadequate for meaningful adoption. Perhaps the most pressing challenge lies in Uganda’s power infrastructure.
With merely 25 per cent of the population having access to electricity and persistent power cuts plaguing the system, the foundation for widespread adoption of electric vehicles appears shaky.
Uganda’s electricity generation capacity has grown in recent years, reaching 2,048.1MW in 2024, with hydropower contributing 84 per cent, according to the Electricity Regulatory Authority.
However, actual consumption remains lower, with peak demand at 987.8MW in December 2023, leaving a surplus that could support electric vehicle (EV) charging if grid stability improves. Despite this potential, grid reliability remains a persistent challenge, with frequent outages limiting widespread EV adoption.
The high cost of charging infrastructure further complicates Uganda’s EV transition. According to the ministry of Energy, setting up a single charging station costs about Shs 2.4 billion, underscoring the financial burden of such projects.
Additionally, the ERA notes that integrating charging infrastructure into the national grid demands costly upgrades, which deter private investment. Uganda’s commercial electricity tariff of Shs 575.2 per kWh makes EV charging cheaper than fuel, but investment concerns persist.
While tax exemptions and lower tariffs could attract investors, current efforts remain limited to pilot projects. Private sector involvement is crucial in expanding EV charging. Companies such as Gogo Electric, Spiral and Zembo have invested in boda boda charging, proving viability.
However, passenger vehicle expansion requires clear regulations and incentives. Public-private partnerships and franchise models like Kenya’s could accelerate Uganda’s EV transition beyond urban centres.
The financial implications of this transition are particularly noteworthy. Uganda’s current dependence on imported fossil fuels creates a significant economic burden, with fuel imports consuming $1.6 billion in 2023 – a staggering 17.1 per cent of the total import bill.
A structured transition to EVs could substantially reduce this foreign exchange drain while creating new employment opportunities in manufacturing, technology, and energy sectors. Looking south provides valuable lessons.
South Africa’s Green Transport Strategy demonstrates how comprehensive policy frameworks, including consumer incentives and public-private partnerships, can accelerate EV adoption.
Their collaboration with BMW to establish a nationwide charging network offers a replicable model for Uganda. However, success requires strategic intervention on multiple fronts. The government must address the fundamental challenges of power stability and accessibility while implementing targeted incentives for EV adoption.
The current lack of clear regulations and financial support mechanisms needs urgent attention. Additionally, developing a skilled workforce for EV maintenance and establishing a comprehensive charging network are crucial steps.
The path forward demands a balanced approach. While the initial focus might remain on electric motorcycles and public transport, preparing for broader adoption through infrastructure development and policy reform is essential.
Public education campaigns must address misconceptions and build confidence in EV technology. Uganda’s transition to electric mobility represents more than an environmental choice – it’s an economic imperative.
The writer is a research intern at EPRC, Makerere University.
