Festivalgoers attending this year’s Kampala City Festival will enjoy free rides across the city, thanks to a partnership between Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC), Uganda’s pioneering electric vehicle manufacturer.
Kiira Motors has been unveiled as the official transport partner for the festival, which takes place on October 12 at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. Through its E-Bus Xpress service, the company will deploy five all-electric buses offering free transportation to revellers throughout the day.
The zero-emission buses come equipped with air conditioning, onboard WiFi, infotainment systems, and what organisers describe as “vibes” — a comfortable, eco-friendly experience for passengers moving to and from the festival.
According to Eng. Ian John Kavuma, Managing Director of E-Bus Xpress, said the initiative is both a celebration of local innovation and a contribution to sustainable urban mobility.
“We are offering complementary transportation free of charge with free WiFi on board,” said Eng. Kavuma. “This initiative is aimed at decongesting the city and reducing harmful vehicle emissions during the festival.”
Two of the buses will operate from City Square to Mulago, passing through Kamwokya, Bukoto, Ntinda (via Stretcher Road), Spear Motors Junction, Nakawa Market, Lugogo, and Jinja Road, before returning to City Square. The other two will run the same route in reverse, ensuring seamless movement for festival participants across Kampala.
Passengers can disembark at City Oil Kamwokya, Kati Kati Junction, or Wampewo Roundabout, from where it’s a short walk to the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki hailed Kiira Motors’ contribution as a landmark step in advancing the city’s sustainability goals.
“This is a great contribution to the success of the Kampala City Festival,” said Buzeki. “We are very grateful to Kiira Motors Corporation for this partnership that supports our vision of a greener, smarter Kampala. The electric buses are not only comfortable, with WiFi and modern interiors, but they also demonstrate Uganda’s progress in embracing sustainable mobility.”
Representing Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, Councillor Solome Nakiridde Sebina urged city dwellers to participate in large numbers, emphasising the festival’s role in showcasing Kampala’s spirit of unity and innovation.
“We encourage all city residents to come out and celebrate together as one Kampala family,” Sebina said. “The festival is about unity, creativity, and sustainability.”
The 2025 Kampala City Festival, themed “Culture, Innovation, and Sustainability,” is expected to draw thousands of revellers. The inclusion of locally made electric buses aligns with KCCA’s broader clean transport agenda, aimed at reducing congestion and air pollution while promoting Uganda’s growing green technology sector.
Festival organisers encouraged attendees to take advantage of the free E-Bus rides, experience the comfort of Uganda’s homegrown innovation, and celebrate Kampala’s vibrant culture and progress in sustainable urban living.