Uganda Launches First EV Charging Station at Amber House

The Ugandan government, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, has launched its first-ever Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station at Amber House in Kampala.

This milestone represents a significant step towards promoting sustainable mobility and reducing carbon emissions in the country.

The newly unveiled, state-of-the-art charging station has a power output ranging from 30kW to 360kW, allowing vehicles to recharge in as little as 15 minutes to 1.5 hours.

This initiative comes at a time when Uganda already has nearly 3,000 electric vehicles, including motorcycles, cars, and buses, operating on its roads.

Speaking at the launch, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Ruth Nankabirwa emphasized the importance of transitioning to electric mobility.

"The shift to electric vehicles offers numerous benefits, including lower fuel costs, reduced maintenance expenses, and, most importantly, a cleaner and greener future," she said.

She further noted that the transport sector is a leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, making electric mobility a crucial solution in combating climate change.

"Globally, the adoption of electric mobility is still relatively low, but Uganda is making commendable progress. With this EV charging station, we are laying the foundation for an eco-friendly transportation system," she added.

Uganda’s transition to electric mobility aligns with its clean energy policy, which leverages the country’s more than 90% renewable electricity production.

This move is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in urban centers.

The government has pledged full support for e-mobility through strategic policies, investments, and incentives.

Eng Simon Kalanzi, a representative from the Permanent Secretary’s office at the Ministry of Energy, reaffirmed this commitment: "With fast-charging stations now operational, the government is taking a direct lead in sustainable mobility through its energy policy and efficiency initiatives."

Kalanzi also highlighted the critical role of the private sector in the transition.

"We are working with private sector partners to attract investments in sustainable mobility and energy-saving solutions," he noted.

Research shows that the global e-mobility market is expanding rapidly, projected to surge from $280 billion in 2021 to a staggering $1.5 trillion by 2030, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 27.2%.

However, the transportation sector remains a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 10% of total emissions in Africa.

With Sub-Saharan Africa’s vehicle market expected to grow from 25 million vehicles in 2021 to over 58 million by 2040, sustainable alternatives like electric vehicles are increasingly necessary.

Experts also argue that electric vehicles present financial advantages.

"The total cost of ownership of an electric vehicle, including purchase, maintenance, and operation, is approximately 60% of that of a diesel equivalent. The energy cost for EVs is only 20-22% of the petrol or diesel equivalent," an energy expert explained.

While the initial purchase price of EVs remains high, costs are expected to decrease as technology advances and adoption increases.

Despite the benefits, Uganda’s e-mobility sector faces several challenges, including the establishment of operational standards, regulatory frameworks, and expanding infrastructure.

There is also a pressing need for strategic policies to support domestic manufacturing and widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

However, financial institutions are stepping in to support this transition. Adad Iraguha, Head of Asset Finance at NCBA Bank Uganda, expressed the bank’s commitment to facilitating e-mobility adoption.

"As a bank, we are ready to finance Ugandans at low interest rates who wish to purchase electric vehicles and bikes. This will accelerate the uptake of e-mobility in the country," he said.