Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) – a state enterprise established to champion value addition in the nascent Motor Vehicle Industry in Uganda – has joined the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon as the official transport partner.
The marathon – an annual initiative looking to create a world-class running event that celebrates the beauty and majesty of the Rwenzori Mountains while promoting healthy living, boosting tourism, and supporting local communities – will take place in Kasese on the 24th of August 2024.
Additionally, the marathon aims to encourage environmental conservation over the effects of climate change on the Rwenzori Mountains characterised by a rapid loss of glaciers and leading to destructive floods, and a pattern of less frequent but heavier rainfall – which highlights the need for more eco-friendly tourism initiatives.
For the engagement, Kiira Motors will deploy sustainable mobility solutions including three 10.5m Kayoola EVS electric buses, one 8.5m Kayoola EVS, one Kayoola E-Coach, and charging infrastructure along the Kampala to Kasese route.
While speaking to the development, Mr. Paul Isaac Musasizi, the CEO of Kiira Motors, said, “We are proud to be joining this commendable effort – which is a wonderful opportunity for us to encourage the adoption of sustainable e-mobility solutions towards promoting eco-friendly tourism and supporting the reduction of emissions within the country’s tourist sites.”
The development follows KMC’s hosting of Africa’s first and biggest e-Mobility Expo – which brought together several policymakers, investors, and manufacturers within the ecosystem to showcase Ugandan e-mobility innovations and encourage the adoption of electric mobility solutions.
The marathon attracted approximately 2,000 Ugandan and international runners to Kasese in 2023, and this weekend’s edition is expected to attract over 3,000 – most of whom will travel to Kasese by road.
Amos Wekesa, one of the marathon’s organisers, said, “We’re excited to team up with Kira Motors for this year’s marathon. Their electric buses will make getting to Kasese easier and more eco-friendly. It’s a big step forward in keeping our event green while making sure everyone can join us for the race.”
