Kiira Motors embarked on a historic 13,000-kilometre electric mobility journey from Uganda to South Africa, a venture that is drawing attention to the promise of locally built clean transport and signaling a significant step forward for sustainable mobility on the continent.

At the center of the mission is the Kayoola E-Coach 13M, Uganda’s premier long-range electric inter-city bus, which is currently en route to Zambia. The expedition, known as the Made in Uganda Grand Trans-Africa Electric Expedition, set off from Kampala’s Namboole Stadium on November 21 and is steadily progressing toward its final destination in Cape Town.

So far, the Kayoola E-Coach, which can cover 500 kilometres on a single charge, has replenished its battery at several strategic locations: Mutukula Border, Biharamulo, Kahama, Singida, and Dodoma. These successful charging stops highlight both the practicality of long-distance electric travel on African roads and the growing need for robust charging infrastructure across the region.

Kiira Motors noted that “Each stop is more than a top-up; it’s proof that with the right infrastructure, clean and efficient transport can link our region seamlessly,” as the company continued to share updates under the #FromThePearlToTheCape hashtag.

Community engagement has been an important feature of the expedition. In Tanzania, residents turned out in impressive numbers to see the E-Coach, creating what Kiira Motors described as “a special moment” that brought people closer to Africa’s evolving green mobility movement.

By the latest reports, the electric coach had surpassed the 2,000-kilometre mark.

“The journey continues! From Tanzania, we push ahead with high energy and unshaken spirit as we cross into a brand new territory Zambia!
We’re eager to connect with the Zambian community as we travel through these breathtaking safari landscapes,” Kiira Motors announced.

The company stressed that the mission is meant to symbolize much more than a physical trek across borders. Declaring the vehicle “Made in Uganda for Africa,” Kiira Motors stated that the journey aims to build confidence in African manufacturing and demonstrate that indigenous technology can stand alongside global competitors.

Ugandan government leaders have expressed strong support.

Minister of Works and Transport Gen. Katumba Wamala praised the expedition as an international showcase of Uganda’s technological strengths.

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Monica Musenero described the venture as “a declaration of what Ugandan innovation can achieve,” framing it as a major step toward establishing the country’s identity in innovation.