Prime
Rally fans urged to embrace electric vehicles
Pure Elation. Former FMU president Dusman Okee (C) draws the first lucky winner of a fully electric car, Godfrey Kyeyune (not in pic), and speaks to him live over the phone as Tim Yin (R), Linglong Tires’ East African Market Head, Mandela Group CEO Venkatesh Kumar (L), and City Tyres staff cheer on during the raffle at the Tyre Centre, Industrial Area yesterday. PHOTO/STEPHEN OTAGE
What you need to know:
Change Looms. The unmistakable roar of rally cars has always been part of the sport’s allure, but the rise of electric vehicles heralds a new chapter—one where Uganda's motorsport fans must prepare for the quiet revolution and the electrifying possibilities it brings.
The Ugandan motor rallying community has been urged to embrace the inevitable transition from traditional combustion engines to silent Electric Vehicles (EVs). This shift, already underway globally, promises to revolutionize the sport, but it also challenges long-standing traditions that rally fans hold dear.
While officiating the first draw of City Tyres' campaign to give away three fully EVs, Dusman Okee, the former President of the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU), emphasised the need for readiness. The event, held at Mandela Group of Companies Tyre Centre on Sixth Street, Industrial Area, Kampala, saw Okee underline the growing influence of electric mobility in motorsport.
“Formula One is already experimenting with electric cars, and it’s only a matter of time before this becomes the standard. Motorsport fans in Uganda must prepare for quieter tracks. Sound plays a key role in rally safety and excitement, so we may need solutions like distinct sirens for electric rally cars,” Okee noted.
Rise of EVs
Okee’s remarks highlight how EVs are transforming not only everyday commuting but also high-octane motorsports. “Electronic innovation is everywhere, from VAR in football to Formula One testing electric models. In rallying, sound is synonymous with safety, but we must learn to embrace these changes,” he said.
The electric car giveaway campaign by City Tyres, a subsidiary of the Mandela Group of Companies, has been a game-changer for promoting sustainable mobility. Godfrey Kyeyune, who purchased Linglong Tyres at City Oil Namirembe Road Service Station, became the first winner of a fully Electric Vehicle.
Herbert Bashaasha, City Tyres' Marketing Manager, revealed that the vehicle handover would take place on Saturday at City Oil Kamwokya. “We launched this campaign to create awareness about the potential of electric cars in Uganda. Customers who buy Linglong Tyres enter the draw for exciting prizes, including wheat and maize flour, UGX 100,000 fuel vouchers, free car services, and wheel alignment among others,” he said.
Growing trend
According to Bashaasha, Uganda is beginning to embrace electric mobility, albeit slowly. “There are currently 460 hybrid vehicles and only 17 fully electric cars nationwide. The car we’re giving away is likely the 18th,” he disclosed.
Electric motorcycles, already popular in Kampala, come with domestic or station charging kits. However, larger electric vehicles like sedans, trucks, and buses face hurdles due to inadequate charging infrastructure. Building nationwide charging stations is critical to supporting this transition.
Globally, the push for EVs aligns with efforts to combat climate change by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Uganda is no exception, as various stakeholders, including private companies like City Tyres, take steps to introduce sustainable alternatives. However, the adoption rate is likely to depend on how quickly charging infrastructure is developed to address practical concerns of accessibility and reliability.
Raffle Draw Winners
- Godfrey Kyeyune – Electric Vehicle Car
- Ibrahim Ssekajugo – UGX 100,000 Fuel Voucher
- Josephine Namuwonge – Carton of Supreme Maize & Wheat Flour
- Eric Okot – Free Full Vehicle Service (Up to 4WD)
- Asia Nabisaalu – Free Wheel Alignment & Wheel Balancing
