UNCST Praises Local Spare Parts Manufacturer Standard Wave, Pledges University Partnerships

What the report says

The Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) has visited Standard Wave Uganda Limited in Mpigi District to assess the work of the local automotive spare parts manufacturer and discuss possible collaboration. According to Watchdog Uganda, the visit included remarks from UNCST Executive Secretary Dr. James Kisaale, who praised the factory’s technical progress and said local innovation is important to Uganda’s industrial ambitions.

The company, based in Kyabadaza, was founded in 2016 by entrepreneur Ssempijja Shaffik. The report says Ssempijja began by selling imported spare parts before turning to local production and later training others in the same skills. Standard Wave now makes several vehicle components, including filters, brake pads, oils and lubricants, side mirrors, lights and wipers.

Watchdog Uganda reported that UNCST plans to work with Ugandan universities to connect engineering and technical students with the factory for practical learning and knowledge transfer. The council framed this as part of a broader effort to strengthen links between industry and academia and support homegrown manufacturing.

General background: Uganda has for several years promoted import substitution and local industrial development as a way to create jobs and reduce reliance on imported goods. In that context, the factory’s growth and the government’s interest in supporting it highlight ongoing efforts to build domestic manufacturing capacity, though the report also notes challenges around raw materials, taxes and competition from imported products.