Uganda’s flagship electric bus, the Kayoola E-Coach, has successfully reached Francistown after completing a 4,000-kilometre journey from Kampala, marking another milestone in the ongoing “Made in Uganda Grand Trans-Africa Electric Expedition.”
The achievement has drawn praise from regional diplomats and technology partners, with MTN Uganda credited for providing seamless digital connectivity throughout the cross-border journey.
The expedition team was formally received on Sunday afternoon at Cresta Thapama Hotel by a Ugandan delegation led by Ambassador Kintu Nyago, Uganda’s Deputy High Commissioner to South Africa. He described the mission as a powerful statement of what African countries can accomplish through innovation and collaboration.
“Seeing this state-of-the-art electric bus arrive safely in Botswana demonstrates that Ugandan engineering is ready to lead Africa’s green transition,” Ambassador Nyago said. “We appreciate the Office of the President for backing this initiative, and we thank MTN for ensuring the expedition remained connected every step of the way.”
The Kayoola E-Coach, designed and built by Kiira Motors Corporation, crossed into Botswana through Zambia and completed the distance without experiencing any mechanical complications. The journey showcased the bus’s durability across varying terrains, reinforcing its potential as a reliable long-distance electric mobility solution.
The bus relies on an advanced monitoring system supported by MTN’s digital infrastructure, enabling real-time tracking of its performance, including battery status and terrain response.
Representing MTN, Paul Luyima emphasized the value of this partnership.
“MTN is proud to power the digital backbone of this historic expedition,” he said. “What we are seeing is more than a cross-continental trip. It is proof of how connectivity and African engineering can expand new economic opportunities for our region.”
Elias Bwambale, the expedition team leader, said the initiative is part of Kiira Motors’ broader strategy to build markets within the Southern African Development Community. He noted that the ongoing journey serves as a live demonstration of the vehicle’s strength and consistency.
“This expedition is a bold declaration of Uganda’s technological advancement,” Bwambale said.
The team will proceed to Gaborone for a major showcase highlighting bilateral cooperation in the automotive sector and accelerating the adoption of green transport solutions. The final leg of the expedition will take the Kayoola E-Coach toward Cape Town, South Africa.