E-bus express launches new Kira routes, plans Kampala central expansion

What the report says

E-Bus Express has launched new electric bus routes in Kira Municipality and says it plans to expand into Kampala Central as it increases its fleet to 50 buses by the end of the year, according to The Independent Uganda. The service, which is linked to electric vehicle maker Kira Motor Corporation, is currently running 16 buses on three routes in the Kampala area.

The new routes come after a pilot and rollout in Jinja, which the company says showed strong commuter demand. The article says the service will offer free rides for one week after the launch, then charge fares starting at Shs800 for adults, with schoolchildren paying half price. The buses include cashless payment through MTN MoMo, along with Wi-Fi, charging ports and other safety features.

At the launch, Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs Minsa Kabanda said the government would work to improve the operating environment as more buses are added. She also urged the company to consider washrooms on buses and to engage existing taxi operators to reduce possible friction as the system grows. Officials said the wider effort fits into the Greater Kampala Transport Master Plan, which aims to improve mobility and reduce congestion.

E-Bus Express board chairman Emmanuel Mugunga said the company wants additional routes and ultimately hopes to deploy many more buses across major Ugandan cities. Local officials and transport managers said the service could help ease congestion and support cleaner transport, although they noted that the lack of dedicated bus lanes and supporting infrastructure remains a challenge.