KCCA Defends Electric Bus Project amid Taxi operators’ concerns

KCCA Defends Electric Bus Project amid Taxi Operators’ Concerns

By Editor

Kampala

The Kampala Capital City Authority has maintained that its plan to introduce electric buses in Kampala will proceed as scheduled, despite concerns raised by sections of the transport sector.

Speaking during a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre, KCCA Executive Director Sharifa Buzeki reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to modernizing urban transport through environmentally friendly solutions.

“The rollout of electric buses is on course. Our focus is to improve the city’s transport system while also addressing environmental concerns,” Buzeki said.

Her remarks follow complaints from the Federation of Uganda Taxi Operators (UTOF), whose leaders argue that they were not involved in the planning process.

However, Buzeki stressed that the current phase remains a pilot programme aimed at gathering operational data before a wider rollout.

She revealed that the city requires at least 60 electric buses to adequately serve Kampala’s growing population, although only eight are currently operational.

“At the moment, we are running eight buses, yet the demand is much higher. We are collecting feedback from passengers and assessing performance before expanding the fleet,” she explained.

Buzeki also encouraged taxi operators to view the development as an opportunity rather than a threat, urging them to consider investing in electric mobility.

“We welcome UTOF members to be part of this transition. They can also invest in and operate electric buses,” she added.

According to KCCA projections, each electric bus could generate approximately Shs2.8 million annually, translating into an estimated Shs22.4 million from the current fleet.

The revenues are expected to contribute to government collections through the Uganda Revenue Authority.

Despite the assurances, UTOF leaders have distanced themselves from the project, maintaining that no formal collaboration has taken place between them and KCCA.

The developments highlight the challenge of balancing innovation with stakeholder inclusion as Kampala moves towards a more modern and sustainable public transport system.

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