Uganda has launched the Made in Uganda Grand Trans-Africa Electric Expedition, a groundbreaking 30-day journey covering more than 13,000 kilometres across six African nations: Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Eswatini, and South Africa.
The expedition demonstrates of Uganda’s technological advancement and emerging industrial leadership. It showcases homegrown innovations designed to tackle continental challenges in mobility, clean energy, and climate change.
Central to the mission is the Kayoola Electric Coach 13M (Model 2025), manufactured by Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC), which will serve as a moving proof of concept for Africa’s ability to design, manufacture, and deploy reliable electric mobility solutions for long-distance, cross-border travel.
The initiative aims to activate new regional markets, position Uganda as a hub for high-value manufacturing, and reinforce a Pan-African vision of industrial resilience, integration, and unity.
The successful flag-off ceremony highlighted a major milestone achieved through a strategic public private partnership. Key contributors included MTN Uganda as the lead sponsor and connectivity partner, the Made in Uganda (MIU) initiative, Kiira Motors Corporation, and the Science, Technology, and Innovation Secretariat (STI-OP).
Speaking at the event, Gen. Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works and Transport, emphasized the importance of modern mobility solutions for urban development.
“It is evident that mass transport is the answer to the future of the city,” he said.
“As we flag off this historic expedition, we are sending a message to the world: Uganda believes in its people, its technology, and Africa’s capacity to shape a sustainable future. This is a journey of belief, innovation, and proof in motion.”
Dr. Monica Musenero, Minister for Science, Technology & Innovation, underscored the expedition’s wider significance for the continent.
“This expedition represents a bold vision for Africa’s industrial transformation. It shows that with creativity, investment, and collaboration, our continent can lead in technology and sustainability,” she stated.
Ibrahim Senyonga, General Manager of the Enterprise Business Unit at MTN Uganda, praised the partnership as a strategic alignment of mission and vision.
“This is more than a sponsorship; it is a strategic alliance uniting two African innovators behind a shared vision for a connected, digitized, and sustainable continent,” he said.
“Just as Kiira spearheads the ‘Green Mobility’ revolution, MTN is leading the ‘Green Digital’ revolution. By providing the digital backbone for this zero-emission journey, we are proving that e-mobility is not a luxury, but a crucial form of climate action to achieve Net-Zero by 2040. We are building Africa’s future: green, digitized, and future-proof.” he said.
