KYANKWANZI, July 12, 2024 – President Yoweri Museveni has commissioned Spiro electric motorcycles during an event held at the National Leadership Institute [NALI], Kyankwanzi.
The delegation from Spiro was led by Odrek Rwabwogo, the Chairperson of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development [PACEID].
Spiro is an electric bike-producing company in Africa, recognised for its impact on sustainable transportation. Formerly known as M Auto Electric, the company has deployed over 15,000 electric bikes and facilitated more than 9 million battery swaps across countries like Benin, Togo, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
Museveni commended Spiro for the new technology, stating, “This is good news. The electric bikes are better than our traditional ones which require diesel.”
The President also emphasised Uganda’s dedication to adopting environmentally friendly alternatives.
Rosa Malango, Chairperson of the Tumaini Africa Knowledge Centre [TAKC], informed the President that 500 electric bikes are already operational in Kampala, with 150 of them sold in the first week. To make the bikes accessible for boda boda riders, she noted that a payment plan in installment has been introduced.
“The price of an electric bike is US$ 1,000, which is significantly cheaper than the traditional diesel-powered boda bodas, which cost US$ 1,480. This is about 30 percent cheaper,” she said.
Malango further highlighted several advantages of the electric bikes, noting that, according to their survey, riders appreciate the tubeless tires, which eliminate the need for air pumping.
“The bikes also have a battery range of approximately 80 kilometres and come with convenient charging stations across Kampala,” she said.
Malango assured the President that Ugandans have welcomed the new technology and are quickly adapting to it.
“Your Excellency, each bike and battery is equipped with a GPS tracker and a specific identification number, enhancing security and enabling efficient tracking in case of accidents or crimes,” she added.
She explained that electric bikes offer affordable energy and the convenience of battery swap stations, where riders can exchange depleted batteries for charged ones.
On the other hand, Spiro Country Head, Gaurav Anand, also announced plans to partner with the Ugandan government to deploy over 140,000 electric two-wheelers and 3,000 charge-and-swap stations across the country by 2028.
Anand also noted that Spiro expects to have about 35 battery-swapping stations in Kampala by the end of the year, noting that the company is set to revolutionise Uganda’s transportation landscape.
“The company also plans to launch electric tuk-tuks next year, further expanding its impact,” he noted.
“We are pleased to bring the latest technology and products to the country. Each bike is equipped with a GPS tracker, allowing us to work with enforcement agencies to enhance security. We look forward to continued cooperation with the Ugandan government in various sectors, including the cotton industry and beef value-addition.”
He also expressed the company’s interest in establishing a textile factory in Northern Uganda, specifically in Lira district.
“This factory will focus on ginning, weaving, knitting, and spinning cotton, contributing to Uganda’s industrial development,” he said.
The event was also attended by the Finance Minister, Matia Kasaija, and the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Ramathan Ggoobi.
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