Uganda to launch multi-functional 3-wheeler vehicle for rural development

Farmers and rural households in Uganda are poised to benefit from a new three-wheeler vehicle named Bingwa, designed to transport goods, pump water, and generate electricity.

President Yoweri Museveni will officially launch the vehicle on October 9 during Uganda’s 61st Independence day celebrations in Kitgum district.

PRODUCT ORIGINS

Created by a team of self-trained innovators led by Rogers Mubiru of Kevoton Motions Engineering Ltd., Bingwa was constructed at the Kiira Motors Vehicle Plant in Jinja.

Its engine casting was completed at the John Lugendo Foundry in Kampala. Powered by a fuel-efficient 0.8-liter two-stroke engine, Bingwa boasts a higher power-to-weight ratio compared to traditional four-stroke engines.

FEATURES AND CAPABILITIES

Dr Monica Musenero, the minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), revealed Bingwa’s impressive capabilities during a flag-off ceremony at the Kiira Motors Plant.

The trike can transport up to 1,000kg of goods, pump 6,000 liters of water per hour, and generate 6 kW of electricity every hour. These features address urgent challenges faced by farmers and rural households in Uganda.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND INCUBATION

The STI Secretariat, under the Office of the President, funded Kevoton Motions through the National Research and Innovation Program. This grant enabled the domestic manufacture of Bingwa. Kiira Motors provided incubation support to bring the idea to fruition.

MEETING RURAL NEEDS

The vehicle is tailored to meet the pressing challenges of Uganda’s rural population—80% of whom are involved in agriculture.

Despite this, only a small percentage have access to irrigation and electricity. Dr Musenero emphasized the transformative potential of Bingwa in boosting agricultural productivity and improving rural living conditions.

FUTURE PROSPECTS

“We hope to see the deployment of 600 units across various sub-counties to improve household livelihoods,” said Rogers Mubiru, the founder and director at Kevoton Motions Engineering Ltd.

VALIDATION OF INCUBATION MODEL

Allan Muhumuza, Mobility Team Leader at the STI Secretariat, said the project’s success validates an incubation model where budding innovators are mentored by established enterprises like Kiira Motors.

LOCAL MANUFACTURING

Albert Akovuku, the director of Production at Kiira Motors, noted that 55% of Bingwa’s components are locally made, thereby supporting Uganda’s push for localization and value addition in manufacturing.

PROJECT FUNDING

The Uganda Development Bank (UDB) has allocated US$ 250,000 to facilitate project planning and production readiness.

COST AND MARKET POTENTIAL

Priced at Shs 28 million, Bingwa offers more utility than purchasing a separate tuk-tuk, water pump, and power generator. With an estimated market of 100,000 units in the medium term, Bingwa promises to contribute significantly to Uganda’s economic development.