KMC Takes the Driver Seat as it Moves into High Gear
Sandy Stevens Tickodri-Togboa, Chairman, Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC), talks to World Business Journal about the president’s role in the company’s origins, the current production plans of its models and its aspirations for the future as it cements its place in the automotive sector.
How did Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) begin?
A transformative moment came in November 2007 when a critical need arose to assist the students of Makerere University that were involved in a groundbreaking vehicle project with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The absence of support would have jeopardised the students’ graduation. Stepping up to the challenge, I collaborated with Paul Isaac Musasizi to oversee the MIT-led initiative, which began a grand scheme involving 31 universities, with Makerere University being Africa’s sole representative.
The defining moment came in November 2009, after my appointment as deputy vice chancellor, finance and Administration at Makerere University. I received word that President Yoweri Museveni would be visiting the university’s faculty of technology to see what my team and I were engaged in, and how the government could promote our work. I had no idea that my team’s work was being monitored at the highest level. The president’s December 2009 visit culminated in his invitation for my team to deliver a presentation to the Cabinet of Uganda and the reception by the Cabinet was overwhelming.
The real turning point emerged in 2010 when began building a prototype, an undeniable proof-of-concept (PoC) vehicle, that with the president’s guidance, came to be called the Kiira Electric Vehicle (KEV). This marked a year dedicated to fine-tuning designs and presentations. We successfully unveiled the PoC in November 2011 with the president’s commissioning. His endorsement and the government’s unwavering support led to the formal establishment of KMC in 2014.
Soon, the KEV, capable of travelling 80 km on a single charge, was created, subsequent followed by the Kiira EV Smack, which tackled distance limitations by combining electric motor drive and internal combustion engine drive in November 2014. The ambitious Kayoola Solar Bus, which harnessed solar energy for public transportation, was launched in February 2016.
In 2018 KMC’s establishment gained official approval by the government, opening doors for funding as we began construction at our Jinja site. Subsequently, we facilitated the domestic assembly of electric buses such as the Kayoola EVS and Kayoola Diesel Coach. This period also saw enhanced collaborations with local companies, exemplified by our partnership with Tondeka, in which we manufactured five buses for their operations.
In 2024 amidst ongoing infrastructure development and expertise in manufacturing electric and diesel buses, KMC continues to harness local resources, generate employment and significantly contribute to Uganda’s industrial growth. We remain steadfast in our commitment to creating eco-friendly vehicles, forging partnerships that strengthen local industries. This commitment recognizes the pivotal role played by the president in our journey from vision to reality.
How is KMC expanding its manufacturing capabilities and market reach?
Our focus is on the imminent completion of our facility by the first quarter of 2024. Installation for assembly line production is currently in progress and projected to increase manufacturing capacity to 22 vehicles per day through a 16-step assembly process.
Expansion signals a significant move forwards as we set our sights on the East African Community market. Internally, we are exploring potential partnerships with educational institutions to facilitate bus procurement. Our aspirations are grounded in the projected demand for approximately 12m vehicles in Africa by 2040. Our aim is to secure a modest 12% share in Uganda by increasing our annual production capacity to 5000 vehicles. Such growth, if achieved, would mark a significant milestone for our operations and contribute positively to Africa’s automotive sector.
What are KMC’s future plans and collaborations?
In anticipation of our 2024 model, slated for completion by Q1 2024, we plan to introduce an additional 28 buses, enhancing our fleet. A highlight is the Non-Aligned Movement summit in January 2024, where we plan to showcase 30 improved versions of our Kayoola buses. This upgraded model is set to feature a larger capacity battery, aimed at extending range up to 400 km, from the current 300 km. We plan to establish a number of charging infrastructures, ensuring convenient and seamless access to charging points, which presents a promising opportunity for potential private investments in the charging infrastructure sector.
In parallel, our collaboration extends to the development of the Electric Trike (3-in-1), an innovative creation stemming from Kevoton Motions Engineering. This engine can serve several purposes, including powering the vehicle, pumping water at a rate of 6000 litres per day and generating electricity. Recognising its diverse applications, we have partnered with the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Secretariat to further refine and expand its functionalities, attract more innovators into these incubator programmes and foster a culture of innovation and development. The trike represents a fusion of irrigation, power generation and mobility and its successful launch has inspired future designs, paving the way for potential evolution into a two-wheeled car.
