UGANDA’S KAYOOLA ELECTRIC BUS BEGINS CONTINENTAL SUSTAINABILITY TREK
Uganda’s Kayoola Electric Coach has begun a groundbreaking 13,000-kilometre Trans Africa Expedition, showcasing the country’s capacity to build sustainable, zero-emission transport for the continent. Flagged off at Mandela National Stadium by top government leaders, the homegrown electric bus is now traveling through six countries to demonstrate the strength of African engineering, clean mobility and locally manufactured innovation.
By Musa Mudde | EcoNews
Uganda has stepped confidently onto the global sustainability stage with the launch of the Kayoola Electric Coach 13M, a home-grown innovation from Kiira Motors Corporation. The electric bus has begun its ambitious 13,000-kilometre Trans Africa Expedition, a historic journey that will take it through Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Eswatini and South Africa.
The flag-off ceremony at Mandela National Stadium in Namboole was led by two key government leaders: Gen. Katumba Wamala, the Minister of Works and Transport, and Dr. Monica Musenero, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation.
Gen. Katumba described the launch as “a message to the world that Uganda believes in its people, its technology and Africa’s capacity to shape a sustainable future.” Dr. Musenero added that the trek represents “a bold vision for Africa’s industrial transformation, proving that our continent can lead in technology and sustainability.”
A MOVING STATEMENT ON SUSTAINABILITY
The expedition, themed Made in Uganda for Africa, is far more than a technical endurance test. It is a rolling demonstration of what African clean mobility can achieve when local manufacturing, smart engineering and climate responsibility come together.
Built for serious distance, the Kayoola E Coach can travel up to 500 kilometres on a single charge, produces zero tailpipe emissions and accommodates up to 90 passengers. It is also designed with inclusive mobility in mind, offering features such as wheelchair access and priority seating.
According to Kiira Motors, the purpose of this journey is to prove that Ugandan electric mobility can withstand and excel across real African conditions: long highways, varied climates, steep gradients and multi-border operations, all without the dependence on diesel.
CONNECTIVITY POWERED BY MTN
The expedition is supported by MTN Uganda, which is providing real-time tracking, safety systems and data connectivity throughout the month-long journey. MTN’s Enterprise Business lead, Ibrahim Senyonga, described the mission as “a golden thread weaving our continent’s collective dreams of innovation, connectivity and clean mobility into reality.”
A CONTINENTAL MESSAGE
As it travels across the region, the Kayoola bus becomes more than a vehicle. It becomes a symbol of African capability, a reminder that the continent can build, innovate and deploy its own climate-smart transport solutions.
The journey demonstrates the power of local industry to reduce emissions, drive economic growth and inspire confidence in home-made technology. It signals that Africa is ready to claim its place in the global transition to sustainable mobility.
Uganda’s electric bus has not simply started a trip. It has begun a continental conversation about innovation, sustainability and the promise of a greener African future built with African hands.
