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KAMPALA – The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa, has praised e-mobility entrepreneurs and the European Union (EU) for promoting what she described as industrial progress and sustainable innovation.

“E-mobility represents the future of Uganda’s transportation industry. The EU’s ongoing support enables us to create a cleaner, more equitable economy, one that fosters local business owners and safeguards our environment,” stated Nankabirwa.

The official spoke during the 2025 Green Diplomacy Week, when they toured Gogo Electric, a company based in Kampala that assembles electric motorcycles and batteries.

Nankabirwa was accompanied by EU Ambassador Jan Sadek, Liesbet Mijlemans, and Parth Shah, CEO of Bodawerk.

The Green Diplomacy Week represents the EU’s dedication to addressing climate change. The program seeks to encourage eco-friendly transportation, conservation of biodiversity, and increased public awareness regarding climate initiatives in Uganda.

In 2024, the European Union, via its ElectriFI impact investment program, allocated $1.5 million to the initiative in order to promote the domestic manufacturing of electric motorcycles and battery components.

Leveraging this momentum, they also revealed a new $1 million additional loan to enhance Gogo’s battery exchange system and increase output to approximately 27,000 electric motorcycles and 43,000 batteries.

At the gathering, Ambassador Sadek emphasized the EU’s continued dedication to Uganda’s shift towards renewable energy.

“The European Union’s funding of Gogo Electric highlights our common goal for a climate-neutral, job-generating, and sustainable economy. This is the European Green Deal in practice, promoting innovation, clean air, and economic opportunities,” he stated.

The ElectriFI program, supported by the European Union, offers initial financial support to stimulate private funding for renewable energy and energy access initiatives.

Sadek highlighted that this represents a crucial element of the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, which has generated more than €300 billion in sustainable investments worldwide since 2021.

Gogo Electric currently has approximately 250 Ugandans on its payroll, and intends to generate additional employment opportunities as manufacturing increases.

Its “battery-as-a-service” approach corresponds to Uganda’s National E-Mobility Strategy and is expected to cut down 148,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year.

“The European Green Deal seeks to reduce emissions by a minimum of 50% by 2030, with an increase to 55% as it legally enforces the 2050 neutrality target via the European Climate Law,” Sadek stated.

He mentioned that the initiative “promotes a clean transition that safeguards individuals and the environment, while being economically viable and socially just.”

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).