African Initiatives for Relief and Development (AIRD), a prominent African NGO specializing in humanitarian assistance for conflict and disaster-displaced populations, has joined forces with CFAO Motors Uganda, a leading mobility solutions provider. Together, they are thrilled to announce the inauguration of an Authorized Service Centre (ASC) in Mbarara City, aptly named the Formula 21 Pitstop Auto Service Centre.
The motivation behind this project stems from the recognition that many individuals in Southwest Uganda faced the inconvenience of traveling to Fort Portal or Kampala to access the nearest CFAO Motors Authorized Service Centre. This led to a collaborative initiative between the AIRD Head Office and CFAO Motors Uganda (formerly Toyota Uganda) to establish a business that caters to the burgeoning vehicle servicing, maintenance, and repair needs of residents, NGOs, and businesses in the South-West region. Furthermore, this facility will provide automotive mechanical skills training, empowering marginalized groups and their host communities.
Situated at Plot 845, Block 7, Rwobuyenje, North Division, along Kampala-Mbarara Highway, Formula 21 Pitstop Auto Service Centre now offers residents of Mbarara and its environs access to high-quality automobile spare parts and services for Toyota and Suzuki vehicles, Yamaha Motorcycles, Hino trucks, and SINOTRUK.
- Advertisement -
Thomas Pelletier, the Managing Director of CFAO Motors Uganda, expressed, “Our objective is to make top-notch automotive solutions accessible to all Ugandans. With the Formula 21 Pitstop Auto Service Centre in Mbarara, we provide genuine parts and professional services while contributing to the economic growth of the southwestern region.”
Formula 21 Pitstop Auto Service marks the fourth ASC by CFAO Motors in Uganda, with the other three located in Daks Toyota (Kampala), NN Arua, and Stitch & Sew (Fort Portal). This expansion represents part of a broader strategy to enhance customer accessibility and satisfaction by bringing world-class automotive solutions closer to clients. Pelletier emphasized that their ASCs are authorized to supply authentic, dependable, and manufacturer-certified parts, ensuring that customers receive the same top-tier components as those available at their Kampala and Namanve branches.
This state-of-the-art facility boasts highly skilled technicians with extensive expertise in automotive maintenance and repair, guaranteeing customers the highest level of service and assessment.
Fikru Abebe Abebe, CEO of AIRD, remarked, “Drawing on 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. This venture will provide customers with high-quality, professional services.”
Abebe further emphasized that Formula 21 Pitstop Auto Service has the potential to make a substantial contribution to the local economy and the lives of those involved. The initiative aligns with the Government’s National Development Plan (NDPII), Vision 2040, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the interests of key stakeholders, including CFAO Motors and UNHCR.
The event received the gracious presence of City Mayor Hon. Lord Mayor Robert Kakyebezi, who warmly welcomed the new business to the city. He commended both organizations for not only addressing customer needs but also creating employment and income opportunities for locals, particularly the youth, who can now find employment as mechanics and in other direct and indirect roles presented by the Auto Service Centre.
