Overview:
Uganda's locally made Kayoola electric bus completes an epic 4,000-kilometre drive from Kampala to Francistown, Botswana, showcasing African innovation and green mobility.
The ground-breaking “Made in Uganda Grand Trans-Africa Electric Expedition” has achieved a significant milestone with the arrival of the fully electric Kayoola E-Coach in Francistown, Botswana.
The Ugandan-built electric bus has successfully covered an impressive 4,000 kilometres since departing Kampala, demonstrating the vehicle’s durability and African engineering capabilities.
The team, which crossed into Botswana from Zambia on Sunday, was welcomed in Francistown by a high-level diplomatic delegation led by Ambassador Kintu Nyago, the Deputy High Commissioner of Uganda to South Africa.
Ambassador Nyago hailed the expedition as a powerful symbol of Uganda’s technological progress.
“Seeing this state-of-the-art electric bus here in Botswana proves that Ugandan innovation is ready to lead Africa’s green revolution,” Nyago said during the reception.
The ambassador also acknowledged the support that kept the team connected throughout the cross-border mission.
The Kayoola E-Coach has successfully navigated diverse terrains across East and Southern Africa without reporting a single mechanical fault. The expedition’s success has been supported by seamless digital connectivity, provided by MTN Uganda, allowing for real-time monitoring of performance data, including battery health and terrain adaptation.
The journey is designed to open markets for the Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) across the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Expedition Team Lead Elias Bwambale called the journey a “bold declaration of Uganda’s technological advancement,” proving the vehicle’s comfort and reliability.
The team is now preparing for highly anticipated events in the capital, Gaborone, tomorrow, where they will engage government officials and transport sector stakeholders on green mobility solutions. From Gaborone, the electric bus will continue its journey towards its final destination in Cape Town, South Africa.