Our restoration project has successfully preserved Uganda's automotive heritage by restoring 12 classic vehicles and training 20 specialists in vintage car maintenance.
Uganda has a rich automotive heritage dating back to the colonial era, but many historic vehicles were falling into disrepair due to lack of specialized knowledge and parts. In 2021, Car Tribe Uganda launched the Classic Car Restoration Project to preserve this important cultural heritage.
The project had two main goals: to restore significant vehicles from Uganda's history and to train a new generation of craftspeople in classic car restoration techniques.
Preserving Automotive History
Working with the Uganda Museum and private collectors, the project identified 12 historically significant vehicles in urgent need of restoration. These included a 1954 Land Rover that belonged to Uganda's first Prime Minister, several classic Peugeots common during the 1960s-70s, and a rare 1938 Bugatti that had been in storage for over 30 years.
Each vehicle presented unique challenges, from sourcing obsolete parts to recreating upholstery patterns and matching original paint colors. The restoration team combined modern technology with traditional craftsmanship to bring these vehicles back to life.
Building Specialized Skills
Throughout the project, 20 trainees received specialized instruction in vintage vehicle restoration. The curriculum covered everything from sheet metal fabrication and engine rebuilding to period-correct upholstery techniques and historical research methods.
"Working on these classic cars requires a completely different approach than modern vehicles," explains Joseph Okello, lead instructor for the program. "It's as much art as it is technical skill."
Creating a Sustainable Industry
As interest in classic vehicles grows globally, graduates of the program have found themselves with a valuable niche expertise. Several have established specialized restoration workshops, while others have been hired by collectors and museums.
The project culminated in Uganda's first Classic Car Show in Kampala, which attracted over 5,000 visitors and showcased the restored vehicles alongside the stories of their significance to Uganda's history.
"What began as a preservation effort has evolved into a new cottage industry," notes the project director. "These skills not only preserve our past but create sustainable livelihoods for artisans."