Uganda Flags Off First E-Mobility Standards Dialogue as Minister Musenero Champions Innovation Framework

In a bold affirmation of Uganda’s commitment to innovation and sustainable development, the country took a significant leap forward with the launch of its first-ever E-Mobility Standards Dialogue. Held at the Mestil Hotel in Kampala on June 5, 2025, the event was officially flagged off by the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero, who called for urgent action in creating a robust regulatory framework to support the rising tide of electric mobility in Uganda.

The dialogue brought together a wide array of stakeholders—from policymakers and regulators to private sector leaders, researchers, and innovators—under one roof to shape the country’s response to the global e-mobility revolution. With the rapid growth of electric vehicles and motorcycles already underway across various parts of Uganda, the absence of clear technical and safety standards has become a pressing concern. Dr. Musenero’s keynote address captured this urgency with clarity and conviction.

“Standards are the enablers of innovations’ market access,” she stated, drawing attention to the critical role they play in ensuring that Ugandan innovations are not only competitive locally but also viable in regional and global markets. Her remarks reflected a growing recognition within government circles that science and technology are no longer peripheral concerns—they are central to Uganda’s industrial and economic agenda.

The Minister was quick to acknowledge Uganda’s past achievements in regulating imported goods, but pointed out that the emerging landscape demands a shift in focus. “We have been very good on standards of imported goods. But with the new ingredients in our economy, standards are a critical part of innovation and industrialization,” she said, making a case for the development of comprehensive local standards that match the country’s evolving economic priorities.

As the country moves toward a cleaner, greener future, the electric mobility sector stands at the heart of this transformation. From reducing emissions to creating new jobs and fostering homegrown technological solutions, the potential is immense—but so are the risks if growth is not matched with proper regulation. Discussions at the event highlighted the need for rigorous frameworks around battery safety, charging infrastructure, performance metrics, and environmental impact mitigation. The consensus was clear: without standards, progress in e-mobility could be unsustainable or even dangerous.

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), which played a central role in the dialogue, emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts between government agencies, industry players, and academia. The aim is not just to replicate international standards, but to tailor them to Uganda’s unique context—creating a system that is both globally relevant and locally responsive.

Beyond the technical discussions, the event sent a powerful signal about the government’s readiness to listen, adapt, and act. It reflected a growing maturity in Uganda’s approach to science and technology—one that understands that innovation must be underpinned by structure, policy, and foresight. As one participant noted, “We cannot build the future on improvisation. We need standards that reflect our ambitions and protect our people.”

Hon. Dr. Musenero’s leadership in this area has been consistent and vocal. Her ministry has continually emphasized the integration of science, technology, and innovation into Uganda’s broader development framework. With the E-Mobility Standards Dialogue, she has once again demonstrated a forward-thinking approach that not only embraces technological progress but also grounds it in institutional readiness and public accountability.

As Uganda stands at the threshold of a new technological era, events like this signal that the country is not merely catching up to global trends—it is positioning itself to be a proactive player in shaping the continent’s green and digital future. The dialogue may have begun as a conversation in a conference hall, but its implications will echo through the policy decisions, infrastructure investments, and industrial innovations that lie ahead.