The President announced the corresponding initiative
Many countries offer tax incentives to encourage the transition to electric vehicles. But for the first time, the country has decided to give away electric vehicles for free as a replacement for ICE vehicles.
The title of the first country to take such a bold step belongs to Uganda. Its president, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, made the announcement during his national address at the end of the year. The government of Uganda will provide electric motorcycles in exchange for any ICE motorcycles that Ugandans currently use, he said.
Interestingly, the government of Uganda will not have to take care of financing this major program on its own, since the president has agreed with “investors” to replace motorcycles with internal combustion engines with electric versions. These investors will reportedly be granted licenses to operate battery charging and replacement stations that will be used to recoup their investment.
The electric motorcycles are made in Uganda itself and retail for about $1,350. They are commonly used by motorcycle taxis, popular in much of Africa. Many African countries have pushed for the electrification of these large motorcycle fleets. However, Uganda’s announcement marks the single largest program designed to replace all internal combustion engine motorcycles in the country.
In addition to the obvious environmental benefits, electric motorcycles will help motorcycle taxi operators reduce operating costs. According to the Ugandan authorities, switching to electric motorcycles will reduce the operating costs of operators by 50-60%.
