By George Bukenya
Ugandan government has been advised to support investors dealing in electric vehicles so as to decrease engine emissions that degrade the environment.
This year Barirega Akankwasah, the Executive Director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), told the media that there is a need to make interventions because the country loses over 31,600 people annually to air pollution-related sicknesses.
The Deputy Mayor of Kawempe Division Badiru Bakojja Makanga during the launch of Electric Taxis in Uganda said that the vehicle will help improve earnings of the dealers.
The 10 seater matatu is being imported and sold by the Freedom Electric Vehicles Company LTD and is current go for UGX 11O M
According to the John the head of marketing at FreedomEV company, from Kampala to Hoima , motor vehicles consume fuel of about UGX 170,000 but the electric one will need only UGX 40,000 to charge and this is only for going and coming back.
Makanga implored government to begging supporting investors in this sector something he argue that will create a cleaner, healthier environment and reduction of fuel expenses for Uganda citizens as well as contributing to a sustainable future.
He also said that if government offers incentives, such as tax breaks, subsidies, and investment in charging infrastructure, it will encourage the growth of the electric vehicle industry hence making a significant impact on reducing emissions and protecting environment.
Ratan Tayal the Director of Freedom Electrical says the electric vehicles are a huge boost to development to both owners and drivers of the vehicle because they save a lot as well as eco friendly for better environment.
This electric vehicle can be charged between 2 to 7 hours and can move over 300km before the engine is re-charged.
Matatu drivers have welcomed this initiative because they have been spending much on fuel as polluting environment saying that they Ugandan government has been advised to support investors dealing in electric vehicles so as to decrease engine emissions that degrade the environment.
This year Barirega Akankwasah, the executive director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), told the media that there is a need to make interventions because the country loses over 31,600 people annually to air pollution-related sicknesses
Makanga said that by supporting investors in this sector, will create a cleaner, healthier environment , reduction of fuel expenses for uganda citizens and contribute to a sustainable future.
Makanga says government should offer incentives, such as tax breaks, subsidies, and investment in charging infrastructure, to encourage the growth of the electric vehicle industry this in turn will make a significant impact on reducing emissions and protecting environment.
Ratan Tayal the Director of Freedom Electrical says the electric vehicles are the backbone of development to both owners and drivers of the vehicle because they save a lot as well as eco friendly for better environment.
The Director Carlos Investment Ltd that owns the Bwaise Terminal Park Rt. Col. Fred Bogerere also said that it has been long overdue for such environmently friendly Matatu to come to Uganda.
“ We hope goverment will support this initiative through putting in place policies and systems to enable stake holders embrace and start utilising such vehicles,” Rt. Col . Bogerere said.
He also said that with no fuel costs the passensers will also benefit from reduced taxi fare charges and save more while travelling.
Matatu drivers have welcomed this initiative with much enthusiastic because they say, they have been spending much on fuel as well polluting environment and they will be able to earn big and save.