KMC Public Relations Officer, Ruth Nasejje noted that the buses operate on an e-ticketing system, eliminating the need for conductors to collect fares or issue change.
One year after the introduction of electric buses by Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) in Jinja, commuters are applauding what they describe as a safer, more reliable, and comfortable transport experience.
Launched under the E-bus Xpress service, the electric buses began operations in Jinja as a pilot project aimed at transforming urban mobility in Uganda. According to Eng. Ian John Kavuma, a senior engineer at KMC, careful planning and operational strategies were put in place from the outset to ensure that Ugandans enjoy efficient and affordable services.
After 12 months of operation, the impact is already visible. Management reports that more than 290,000 passengers have traveled aboard the electric buses since their launch, signaling growing public confidence in the system.
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Eng. Latifah Sheebah Tusubira highlighted the features of the Kayoola Bus, one of the 12 series currently in production. Eng. Tusubira explained that the bus is designed to be spacious, with a wide cargo compartment capable of carrying goods, including livestock.
For passenger comfort and safety, the buses are equipped with CCTV cameras, television screens for onboard entertainment, and well-spaced seating to prevent congestion during travel.
KMC Public Relations Officer, Ruth Nasejje noted that the buses operate on an e-ticketing system, eliminating the need for conductors to collect fares or issue change. This cashless system, she said, enhances convenience and accountability.
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Nasejje further revealed that 450 buses are currently being prepared for deployment across 14 cities, including Kampala, Mbarara, Mbale, Lira, Gulu, and Hoima.
Driver Aloysius Lumu emphasized that the buses strictly follow fixed schedules and depart on time without waiting to fill up, a common practice among traditional taxis.
This punctuality, he said, has particularly attracted business-oriented passengers who value time management.
Regular passenger, Robert Talugende from Musita town praised the service, noting that it has eliminated overcrowding and the inconvenience of waiting for taxis to fill up before departure. He also welcomed the clearly stipulated fares, which spare commuters from bargaining with conductors.
Looking ahead, Eng. Kavuma said KMC is open to negotiations with private transporters interested in purchasing electric buses to complement efforts aimed at simplifying and modernizing transport services for Ugandan travelers.
With steady ridership growth and expansion plans underway, the E-bus Xpress appears poised to reshape public transportation not only in Jinja but across the country.
