The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) has installed two public Electrical Vehicle (EV) charging stations at their headquarters, situated at Amber House in Kampala.

The move by the ministry to put up these stations is intended to support efforts to promote the electric mobility industry.

The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Energy, Irene Bateebe, said during her address at the ministry headquarters in Kampala on July 6, 2024, that putting up such infrastructure is part of the efforts to promote the use of electricity for transportation.

“We are partnering with the private sector to ensure that they invest in private mobility,” she said.

Bateebe added that, similarly, as an energy body, the ministry has laid down a number of key strategies to support the electric mobility agenda.

“Our energy policy already appeals to the cause, together with the ongoing demonstrations with companies like Gogo Electric and Zembo to promote charging stations for two- and three-wheeler transportation,” she said.

The slow uptake of fully electrical vehicles prompted the legislative authorities to exempt manufacturers of electric vehicles, batteries, or charging equipment from tax.

In the 2024/2025 financial budget, e-vehicles have been issued a tax waiver from the 18% value-added tax, stamp duty, and income tax. This incentive is expected to be effective in increasing the purchase and manufacture of EV vehicles, thereby attracting more investors in the sector.