Uganda Flags Off Historic 13,000km Trans-Africa Electric Expedition

Uganda has officially launched the “Made in Uganda Grand Trans-Africa Electric Expedition”, a landmark 30-day journey covering more than 13,000 kilometres across six African countries—Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Eswatini and South Africa.

The mission, led by Kiira Motors Corporation, aims to demonstrate Uganda’s engineering capability, expand regional markets, and promote Africa’s push toward sustainable mobility.

At the centre of the expedition is the Kayoola E-Coach 13M Model 2025, a premium all-electric inter-city bus developed in Uganda. The 13-metre coach boasts an impressive 500-kilometre driving range on a single charge, positioning it as a flagship of Africa’s emerging electric mobility future.

“Uganda believes in its people and its technology”

Flagging off the expedition, Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport, Eng. Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala hailed the journey as a powerful symbol of national confidence and continental ambition.

“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,” he said.

Katumba Wamala noted that the expedition underscores Uganda’s readiness to take part in high-value manufacturing and sustainable transport solutions. “This is more than a journey—it is a declaration of what Ugandan innovation can achieve.”

A continental vision of industrial transformation

The Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Monica Musenero, highlighted the broader significance of the expedition for Africa’s industrial and technological renaissance.

“This expedition represents a bold vision for Africa’s industrial transformation and unity,” she said. “The Kayoola Electric Coach is not just crossing borders—it is carrying Africa’s ambition and resilience with it.”

She added that the mission will help activate new regional markets, positioning Uganda as a hub for high-value electric vehicle manufacturing.

From the Pearl to Cape

The event also attracted strong support from Uganda’s private sector and creative industry.

Creative powerhouse Swangz Avenue, which designed the expedition’s branding, celebrated the moment as a national milestone.

“We are proud to support the Made in Uganda Trans-Africa Electric Expedition,” the company said. “A 30-day, 13,000 km journey from the Pearl to the Cape—this is history in motion.”

Telecom giant MTN Uganda joined the send-off, with its General Manager for MTN Business, Ibrahim Senyonga, present at the ceremony.

“Today marks a major milestone for Uganda’s engineering and innovation,” MTN Uganda said. “The Trans-African Electric Expedition has officially been flagged off—from the Pearl to the Cape.”

A hero vehicle for a new African mobility future

Kiira Motors described the Kayoola E-Coach as a breakthrough electric bus engineered to meet Africa’s mobility demands while advancing sustainability.

“Our hero vehicle of innovation and sustainability, the Kayoola E-Coach 13M Model 2025, is designed to address the need for novel and innovative transportation,” Kiira Motors noted. “Its 500km driving range on a single charge sets a new standard.”