By Caroline.N
Uganda’s Kayoola E Coach 13M, produced by Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC), is currently making headlines as it powers through Tanzania on its ambitious “Made in Uganda Grand Trans Africa Electric Expedition.” The journey began in Kampala and is set to end in Cape Town, South Africa, covering over 13,000 kilometres and passing through six countries. This expedition is more than a test of endurance; it is a bold statement of Africa’s capacity for innovation, industrial ambition, and commitment to sustainable transport.
Flagged off in late November, the journey was met with excitement and fanfare, highlighting the growing enthusiasm for locally manufactured electric vehicles. The Kayoola E Coach is fully electric, equipped with a 422 kWh battery capable of delivering a 500 kilometre range per charge. It can comfortably transport up to 64 passengers, demonstrating that sustainable mobility solutions can meet practical commercial needs. Each leg of the journey provides a real-world demonstration of the feasibility of electric transport across the continent, especially in regions where charging infrastructure is still developing.
The expedition route spans Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Eswatini, and South Africa and is expected to take around 30 days. Along the way, the E Coach is stopping at major cities, border towns, and charging stations, giving local communities and transport stakeholders firsthand exposure to electric mobility. Organisers describe the journey as a “rolling exhibition,” showcasing not only the technology but also Uganda’s industrial capability, regional integration, and commitment to environmental sustainability.
The expedition is supported by a partnership between Kiira Motors, the national “Made in Uganda” initiative, and corporate sponsors, who provide connectivity, logistical support, and maintenance assistance as the bus crosses borders. This collaboration underscores a broader vision to reduce reliance on imported vehicles and fossil fuels while promoting local manufacturing, job creation, and technological innovation.
As the bus travels through Tanzania, from Mutukula to Dodoma, each charging stop demonstrates that, with proper planning and coordination, electric transport can function efficiently across long distances and varied terrains. The journey also serves to build confidence among transport operators, policymakers, and the public in the viability of electric vehicles for commercial and intercity travel.
The expedition highlights several important messages. First, electric vehicles can operate reliably over long distances in Africa with careful planning and infrastructure support. Second, zero-emission transport can significantly reduce the continent’s carbon footprint, contributing to cleaner air and climate mitigation efforts. Third, locally designed and manufactured vehicles, like the Kayoola E Coach, can meet international standards, positioning Uganda as a potential hub for green industrialisation in Africa.
Communities along the route are invited to witness the bus in action, interact with the technology, and experience electric mobility firsthand. This engagement is crucial to fostering public awareness and acceptance, which will be key for broader adoption of electric vehicles across the continent.
Looking ahead, the expedition aims to secure commercial interest in the Kayoola E Coach, with potential orders for hundreds of units expected. If the journey is completed successfully, it will serve as a powerful demonstration that African innovation, resilience, and technical expertise can deliver world-class sustainable solutions.
The Kiira Motors Trans Africa Electric Expedition is more than a long journey; it is a testament to African ingenuity, vision, and determination. It signals a future where sustainable transport, local manufacturing, and regional collaboration converge to drive economic growth, technological advancement, and environmental responsibility across the continent.