Today, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni inaugurated Spiro electric motorcycles during a ceremony at the National Leadership Institute (NALI), Kyankwanzi. The event, attended by key dignitaries including Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), marked a significant milestone in Uganda’s push towards sustainable transportation solutions.
Spiro, formerly M Auto Electric, has made substantial strides in revolutionizing the African transportation sector with over 15,000 electric bikes deployed and millions of battery swaps facilitated across several countries including Uganda. President Museveni commended Spiro for their innovative approach, highlighting the environmental benefits over traditional diesel-powered vehicles.
Addressing the gathering, Ms. Rosa Malango of the Tumaini Africa Knowledge Centre (TAKC) highlighted the growing adoption of electric bikes in Kampala, where 500 units are already operational. She noted the bikes’ affordability, costing $1,000 each, which is significantly lower than traditional diesel counterparts. Ms. Malango emphasized the bikes’ features such as tubeless tires and a battery range of 80 kilometers, supported by convenient charging stations throughout Kampala.
Mr. Gaurav Anand, Spiro’s country head, announced ambitious plans to collaborate with the Ugandan government to deploy 140,000 electric two-wheelers and establish 3,000 charge-and-swap stations nationwide by 2028. He underscored Spiro’s commitment to transforming Uganda’s transportation landscape, mentioning future initiatives including electric tuk-tuks and a textile factory in Northern Uganda.
The ceremony was attended by Hon. Matia Kasaija, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and Mr. Ramathan Ggoobi, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, among others.
The launch signifies Uganda’s strategic shift towards sustainable and technologically advanced transportation solutions, heralding a new era of development and innovation in the region.
