African Initiatives for Relief and Development (AIRD) Collaborates with CFAO Motors to Launch Formula 21 Pitstop Auto Service Centre in Mbarara City, Uganda
African Initiatives for Relief and Development (AIRD), a prominent African NGO specializing in delivering humanitarian assistance to those affected by conflict and disasters, has joined forces with CFAO Motors Uganda, a leading provider of mobility solutions. Together, they proudly announce the inauguration of an Authorized Service Centre (ASC) in Mbarara City, aptly named Formula 21 Pitstop Auto Service Centre.
This significant project was initiated in recognition of the challenges faced by many residents in the Southwest region of Uganda, who previously had to travel to Fort Portal or Kampala to access the nearest CFAO Motors Authorized Service Centre. The long journeys and inconvenience of having vehicles out of service prompted a collaborative effort between AIRD Head Office and CFAO Motors Uganda (formerly Toyota Uganda) to establish a business that caters to the growing vehicle servicing, maintenance, and repair needs of individuals, NGOs, and businesses in the South-West region. Furthermore, this facility will offer automotive mechanical skills training, empowering marginalized groups and their host communities.
Formula 21 Pitstop Auto Service is conveniently situated at Plot 845, Block 7, Rwobuyenje, Mbarara City, North Division, along the Kampala-Mbarara Highway. Residents of Mbarara and nearby towns can now access high-quality automobile spare parts and services for Toyota and Suzuki vehicles, Yamaha Motorcycles, Hino trucks, and SINOTRUK.
Thomas Pelletier, the Managing Director of CFAO Motors Uganda, emphasized, “Our aim is to make quality automotive solutions accessible to every corner of Uganda. With the Formula 21 Pitstop Auto Service (ASC) in Mbarara, we offer genuine parts and professional services while supporting 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 in Kampala, NN Arua, and Stitch & Sew in Fort Portal. This expansion represents a commitment to enhance customer accessibility and satisfaction by bringing world-class automotive solutions closer to their doorstep. Mr. Pelletier further highlighted that their ASCs are authorized to provide authentic, reliable, and manufacturer-certified parts, ensuring customers receive the same top-tier components as those available in their Kampala and Namanve branches.
The facility boasts highly skilled technicians with extensive knowledge and expertise in automotive maintenance and repair, guaranteeing the highest level of assessment and service for customers.
Fikru Abebe Abebe, CEO of AIRD, remarked, “Building on our 17 years of experience in maintaining, repairing, and servicing vehicles in emergency contexts for humanitarian agencies, AIRD has established a subsidiary social enterprise named Formula 21 Pitstop Auto Service, committed to delivering high-quality, professional services to customers.”
He went on to emphasize that the business of Formula 21 Pitstop Auto Service has the potential to make a significant contribution to the local economy and the lives of those involved. These efforts align 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 was graced by the 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 opportunities and income for the local community, especially the youth, who can benefit from employment as mechanics and other direct and indirect opportunities presented by the Auto Service.
