Uganda launches first public electric vehicle charging station

KAMPALA – Uganda on Wednesday launched its first public electric vehicle charging station, a pilot project aimed at promoting the adoption of environmentally friendly transportation.

The charging station, installed by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, is part of the government’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote green transportation.

“We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainable transportation,” Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu told reporters at the launch ceremony. “This charging station is a crucial step towards achieving our goal of increasing the use of electric vehicles in Uganda.”

The charging station, located in Kampala, has both swapping and Level 3 fast charging capabilities, catering to different types of electric vehicles. It is expected to serve as a model for future charging stations across the country.

The government plans to set up 10 more charging stations in the capital city, Ssentamu said, adding that the Ministry is working with private sector partners to increase the number of charging stations across the country.

Uganda’s transport sector accounts for eight percent of the country’s total energy consumption, and the government hopes that the adoption of electric vehicles will help reduce the sector’s carbon footprint.

“The transport sector is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in Uganda,” said Ssentamu. “By promoting the use of electric vehicles, we can significantly reduce our carbon emissions and contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change.”

The launch of the charging station was attended by officials from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the German International Cooperation (GIZ), which provided technical and financial support for the project.

Uganda joins a growing list of African countries promoting electric vehicles as a sustainable transportation solution. The government hopes that the adoption of electric vehicles will not only reduce carbon emissions but also create new economic opportunities and improve air quality in urban areas.