In a joint endeavor to provide accessible and top-notch automotive services in Southwest Uganda, African Initiatives for Relief and Development (AIRD), a prominent African NGO specializing in humanitarian aid, has collaborated with CFAO Motors Uganda, a leading mobility solutions provider. Together, they proudly announce the inauguration of an Authorized Service Centre (ASC) in Mbarara City, aptly named Formula 21 Pitstop Auto Service Centre.
The genesis of this project stemmed from the realization that many residents of Southwest Uganda had to undertake long journeys to Fort Portal or Kampala to reach the nearest CFAO Motors Authorized Service Centre. The inconvenience of extended travel and vehicle downtime prompted AIRD Head Office and CFAO Motors Uganda (formerly Toyota Uganda) to forge a partnership, addressing the burgeoning demand for vehicle servicing, maintenance, and repair in the region. In addition to these services, this facility will also offer automotive mechanical skills training, thereby empowering marginalized groups and their host communities.
Located at Plot 845, Block 7, Rwobuyenje, Mbarara City, North Division, along the Kampala-Mbarara Highway, Formula 21 Pitstop Auto Service Centre now caters to customers in Mbarara and its environs. They can access high-quality automobile spare parts and services for Toyota and Suzuki vehicles, Yamaha Motorcycles, Hino trucks, and SINOTRUK.
Thomas Pelletier, the Managing Director at CFAO Motors Uganda, emphasized the company’s commitment to making quality automotive solutions accessible to all Ugandans. He stated, “With the Formula 21 Pitstop Auto Service (ASC) in Mbarara, we offer genuine parts and professional services, while also supporting the growth of the local economy in the southwestern region.”
Formula 21 Pitstop Auto Service becomes the fourth ASC established by CFAO Motors in Uganda, with the other three situated in Daks Toyota in Kampala, NN Arua, and Stitch & Sew in Fort Portal. This expansion is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing customer accessibility and satisfaction by bringing world-class automotive solutions closer to their clientele. Pelletier assured customers that their ASCs are authorized to provide authentic, reliable, and manufacturer-certified parts, ensuring that clients receive the same top-tier components as those available in their Kampala and Namanve branches.
The facility boasts highly skilled technicians with extensive expertise in automotive maintenance and repair, guaranteeing the highest level of service to customers.
Fikru Abebe Abebe, CEO of AIRD, highlighted the organization’s 17 years of experience in maintaining, repairing, and servicing vehicles in emergency contexts for humanitarian agencies. AIRD has established a subsidiary social enterprise called Formula 21 Pitstop Auto Service to deliver high-quality, professional services to customers. He further emphasized the potential of this venture to significantly contribute to the local economy and improve the lives of those involved. These efforts align with the Government’s National Development Plan (NDPII) and Vision 2040, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the interests of key stakeholders, including CFAO Motors and UNHCR.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by the City Mayor, Hon. Lord Mayor Robert Kakyebezi, who warmly welcomed this new business in the city. He commended both organizations for not only addressing customer needs but also creating employment opportunities and income for locals, particularly the youth, who could find employment as mechanics and through various other direct and indirect avenues presented by the Auto Service Centre.
