Overview:
Uganda's Kayoola E-Coach succeeds in a trans-African test run, securing a major contract for 450 electric buses and positioning the nation as a tech exporter.
CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Uganda is celebrating a major technological achievement following the successful completion of the first leg of the Made-in-Uganda Pearl to Cape Electric Expedition 2025. The Ugandan-built Kayoola E-Coach electric bus arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, on Thursday, completing a 4,427-mile journey that has drawn continental attention.
The Kayoola E-Coach, constructed by Kiira Motors Corporation, traveled an impressive 7,125 kilometers (about 4,427 miles) across six countries. Its triumphant arrival at The Sun Square was met by a proud Ugandan delegation, led by the Minister of Science Technology and Innovation Dr. Monica Musenero.
The successful journey symbolized not only the reliability of Uganda’s engineering but also the nation’s growing strength as a regional technology leader prepared for Africa’s transition to sustainable mobility.
“This achievement is not just a technological milestone; it is the beginning of a continental industrial revolution powered by African innovation and proves that Uganda can build world-class technology that performs reliably across Africa,” Musenero said.
Engineering meets connectivity
The all-electric coach was flagged off on Nov. 20, 2025. Throughout the expedition, it crossed diverse terrains and climates, validating its energy-saving design and demonstrating the durability needed for long-haul commercial operations. Key achievements included reduced emissions, significant fuel savings and compelling evidence for a lower total cost of ownership compared to diesel alternatives.
The mission was supported by a robust digital backbone provided by MTN Uganda, the expedition’s official Digital and Connectivity Partner. MTN’s network facilitated live tracking, telematics, energy monitoring and seamless mobile money transactions across borders, effectively turning the Kayoola E-Coach into a moving smart platform.
Ibrahim Senyonga, general manager of MTN Uganda’s Enterprise Business Unit, highlighted the future of mobility in Africa.
“Africa’s mobility future would depend on the integration of engineering, digital systems, and financial technology,” he said, noting these elements were successfully tested between Kampala and Cape Town.
Commercial success
The historic expedition has already yielded a major commercial victory, securing a landmark contract in Johannesburg for 450 Kayoola E-Coaches and 75 DC Fast Chargers. This breakthrough confirms that Uganda’s electric mobility solutions meet world-class standards and positions the country as a rising exporter of high-value technology within Africa.
Enock Mwesigwa, senior manager of sales and product support at Kiira Motors, confirmed the importance of the journey for market confidence.
“Securing the contract for 450 E-Coaches is proof that Ugandan engineering is ready to compete and lead in Africa’s transition to sustainable mobility,” Mwesigwa said.
Paul Amoru, the Ugandan High Commissioner in South Africa, described the triumph as a deeply Ugandan story, rooted in nearly two decades of national investment in science, technology and innovation.
The achievement is seen as a flagship example of the African Continental Free Trade Area transforming from policy into real, cross-border industrial trade. As the Kayoola E-Coach prepares for its return journey to Kampala, the nation asserts its capability to deliver advanced, globally competitive technology designed by Africans, for Africa.