Dreams of an Automotive Industry in Uganda

The east African country of Uganda hopes to establish an automotive industry to boost its economy and provide employment for its young, fast-growing population.

The Ugandan government has backed a project that began at Ugandas Makerere University, which participated in a Vehicle Design Summit launched by MIT students in 2006. Now known as the Kiira Motors Corporation, the project has produced electric and hybrid concept vehicles, and Ugandan researchers are now working on a solar-powered electric bus as part of a joint venture with the Indian auto manufacturer Ashok Leyland. It has also summoned help from international advisors and seeks hundreds of millions of dollars in foreign investment to build a sprawling auto plant.