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By Emmanuel Garjiek
Uganda’s locally manufactured electric bus, the Kayoola E-Coach, has arrived in Botswana as part of the ongoing “Made in Uganda Grand Trans-Africa Electric Expedition,” marking a major milestone in the country’s push to showcase homegrown electric mobility technologies across the African continent.
The electric bus, developed by Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) in partnership with private-sector collaborators, was officially received in Francistown by Uganda’s Ambassador to Botswana, Ambassador Kintu Nyago, alongside members of the Ugandan community and diplomatic staff.According to KMC, the arrival in Botswana demonstrates the durability and long-distance capability of the Kayoola E-Coach, which has so far travelled several thousand kilometres on an expected 13,000km journey without experiencing major mechanical challenges.
A Continental Mission for InnovationThe expedition began on November 20 in Kampala with the objective of testing the bus across diverse terrains and climates while promoting Uganda’s growing electric vehicle industry in regional markets.
The team is expected to continue to Gaborone for engagements with government officials and private-sector stakeholders, before heading to South Africa for exhibitions and demonstrations.At the flag-off ceremony in Kampala, senior government officials praised the mission as a significant leap for Uganda’s industrial and technological ambitions.
Minister of Works and Transport Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala described the journey as more than a road trip, calling it “a demonstration of Uganda’s capacity, skill, and ambition to compete on the global automotive stage.”Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Monica Musenero also hailed the project as a symbol of African innovation and self-reliance, saying the bus reflects years of research and engineering investment.Botswana Reception Signals Growing Regional InterestAmbassador Nyago commended the expedition team for projecting Uganda’s engineering abilities beyond its borders, noting that the presence of the Kayoola E-Coach in Botswana underscores Uganda’s contribution to Africa’s green mobility transition.
The arrival was celebrated by Ugandans living in Botswana, who described the mission as an inspiration for the diaspora and a testament to homegrown innovation.KMC says entry into Botswana is a strategic step toward expanding Uganda’s presence in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) market.Next Stop: South AfricaFrom Botswana, the expedition will proceed to South Africa for stakeholder meetings, product demonstrations, and exhibitions, culminating in Cape Town.Officials from Kiira Motors say the expedition proves that Uganda’s electric mobility vision is no longer merely conceptual but is becoming a practical reality on African highways.
