Gov't to introduce e-motorcycles, electric vehicles to combat air pollution in Kampala

The Minister of State for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Kyofatogabye Kabuye, has announced plans to introduce electric motorcycles and e-motorcycles as a key initiative to curb air pollution and reduce Kampala's carbon footprint.

Speaking to Nile Post, Minister Kabuye highlighted that the Ministry is leading a comprehensive approach to tackle environmental degradation.

This strategy includes promoting electric vehicles (EVs), preserving wetlands and swamps, and advocating for widespread tree planting.

“The shift to electric mobility is crucial for reducing harmful emissions and improving public health,” Kabuye stated. “By adopting E-motorcycles and electric vehicles, we can significantly cut down on air pollution.”

Kabuye expressed deep concerns about the severe air pollution levels in Kampala, which has positioned the city among the most polluted in Africa.

His remarks came during the launch of Supertech, an innovative combustion optimizer designed to reduce gas emissions by up to 80%.

“Kampala is facing a severe air pollution crisis, ranking as one of the most polluted cities in Africa,” Kabuye said. “This situation is unsustainable and demands immediate action.”

The Minister identified the widespread use of motorcycles, or boda bodas,as the primary source of pollution. Kampala currently operates nearly 300,000 motorcycles, with approximately 1.3 million in the metropolitan area.

These vehicles emit five to ten times more pollutants than a typical truck, significantly contributing to the environmental crisis.

“The high number of motorcycles in Kampala is a major contributor to our pollution problem,” Kabuye noted. “Each one emits far more pollution than a large truck, exacerbating the crisis.”

To combat this, the Kampala government has introduced several initiatives aimed at reducing emissions, including promoting electric vehicles and E-motorcycles.

These efforts are expected to reduce emissions by up to 80%, marking a significant step toward improving air quality in the city.

“Our strategy includes environmental restoration efforts, particularly reclaiming wetlands and swamps, which serve as natural air purifiers,” Kabuye explained. “We must change our attitudes toward the environment to avoid severe consequences.”

Kabuye emphasized the importance of public education on environmental conservation and announced ongoing legislative efforts to regulate vehicle emissions and support these initiatives.

The "Stop Polluting and Start Saving" campaign, introduced by Calcigrub General Trading Company Limited, the exclusive agent for Supertech in Uganda, was launched alongside the product.

Steven Estifanos, Managing Director of Calcigrub General Trading, described Supertech as a crucial tool in the fight against air pollution.

“Supertech converts unburnt fuel into energy, reducing the amount of harmful smoke emitted into the air,” he said.

This initiative comes as Kampala continues to grapple with severe air pollution. The 2021 World Air Quality Report ranked Kampala among the most polluted cities globally, with pollution levels exceeding WHO guidelines by five to seven times in all monitored locations, primarily due to fuel emissions.

The campaign not only aims to improve environmental health but also promises economic benefits.

Estifanos emphasized that reducing gas emissions through Supertech also leads to lower fuel consumption, saving Ugandans money that would otherwise be wasted on unburnt fuel.

Supertech, an innovative Italian fuel optimization technology, was officially introduced to the Ugandan market by Calcigrub General Trading Company.

The product is designed to reduce gas emissions and fuel consumption, ultimately lowering maintenance costs and contributing to environmental protection.

Liza Michael, Marketing Manager for Supertech, described the product as a "combustion optimizer" that integrates with a vehicle's fuel tank. “Supertech reduces both gas emissions and fuel consumption, ultimately lowering maintenance costs,” she said during the product's unveiling.

By targeting unburnt hydrocarbons, Supertech enhances fuel efficiency and reduces environmental degradation. According to Michael, the technology can reduce gas emissions by up to 80% and fuel consumption by 12%.