A groundbreaking Kampala–South Africa expedition positions Uganda at the forefront of Africa’s green mobility revolution.
By Staff Reporter
Uganda has taken a bold technological leap under its Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) agenda, unveiling a historic long-distance demonstration journey of the Kayoola EV Bus, the country’s flagship fully electric mass-transit vehicle developed by Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC). The bus, which departed from Kampala on a multi-country expedition to South Africa, aims to showcase Uganda’s growing capability to revolutionize transportation across the continent through green energy and sustainable mobility.
A Milestone for African Innovation
The cross-border journey, dubbed “The Green Mobility Trail”, not only highlights the engineering excellence behind the Kayoola EV Bus but also positions Uganda as a rising continental leader in indigenous automotive innovation.
Built by KMC, Africa’s first fully home-grown vehicle manufacturer, the Kayoola EV Bus is powered purely by electricity, designed to reduce carbon emissions and operational costs while delivering modern, reliable public transport.
Officials from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation described the expedition as “a turning point in Africa’s transition to clean mobility.”
“Uganda is demonstrating that African solutions can solve African transport challenges. This journey is proof of readiness, capability, and confidence,” the Ministry noted in a statement.
Driving Sustainability Across Borders
The bus will travel thousands of kilometres across several African countries, making symbolic stops to engage governments, private investors, academia, and transport operators. The objective is to inspire a new conversation on the future of mobility—one rooted in green energy, sustainability, and African manufacturing capacity.
Engineers say the Kayoola EV Bus is designed for long-distance reliability with advanced battery technology, an ergonomic interior, and smart vehicle systems that meet global standards. It is envisioned as a solution that could eventually replace fossil-fuel buses currently dominating intercity transport across the region.
Showcasing Uganda’s Industrial Vision
The journey is also a powerful statement about Uganda’s growing manufacturing ecosystem.
Kiira Motors Corporation, established to spearhead home-grown automotive innovation, has already produced electric and hybrid prototypes, commuter buses, and specialized vehicles. The Kayoola EV Bus is seen as its flagship technology capable of being adopted across Africa.
Uganda hopes the expedition will attract partnerships for local assembly, charging infrastructure expansion, and technology exchange, supporting its broader Green Mobility Initiative.
“This is more than a bus—it is a vision for the future of African industry,” KMC executives emphasized.
A Continental First
While electric mobility is expanding worldwide, few African countries have attempted a fully electric long-distance bus demonstration of this magnitude. The Kampala–South Africa expedition marks a pioneering moment—showing that Africa is not only catching up with global trends but is actively contributing innovative solutions tailored to local needs.
A Future Driven by Clean Technology
As the Kayoola EV Bus continues its landmark journey across the continent, it carries with it Uganda’s message of readiness: that Africa can build, innovate, and lead in the global shift toward sustainable transport.
If successful, the expedition may spark increased interest in electric public transport, encouraging governments to explore clean energy solutions that reduce emissions, create jobs, and build local industry.
Uganda’s bold road trip is more than a showcase—it is an invitation for Africa to imagine a cleaner, smarter, and self-reliant future of mobility.
