Uganda is celebrating a landmark achievement following the successful completion of the first leg of the Made-in-Uganda Pearl to Cape Electric Expedition 2025, a bold scientific and technological odyssey that has captured continental attention.

After travelling an impressive 7,125 kilometres, across six countries, the Ugandan-built Kayoola E-Coach triumphantly rolled into Cape Town, touching down at The Sun square at 19:02hrs (SAT) where a proud Ugandan delegation led by the Minister of Science Technology and Innovation, Hon.Dr. Monica Musenero, received the expedition team amid immense pride and Pomp.

The Kayoola EV’s arrival into Cape Town symbolized not only the reliability of Uganda’s engineering, but also the nation’s growing strength as a regional technology leader.

Behind the scenes of Uganda’s mechanical triumph was an equally impressive digital backbone. MTN Uganda, the expedition’s official Digital and Connectivity Partner, enabled the entire mission to operate as a modern, data-driven mobility system. With MTN’s network facilitating live tracking, telematics, energy monitoring, and seamless mobile-money transactions across borders, the Kayoola E-Coach effectively became a moving smart platform.

Speaking at a high-level engagement held at the Sun Square City Bowl in Cape Town this morning, Noluthando Pama, the General Manager, MTN Western Cape Regional Operations said:

“When engineering prowess meets strategic partnership, there is no limit to what we can achieve. This is about creating a future where mobility and connectivity move hand in hand to shape a future that is inclusive and sustainable.”

Also in attendance was Ibrahim Senyonga, MTN Uganda’s General Manager- Enterprise Business Unit. He highlighted how Africa’s mobility future would depend on the integration of engineering, digital systems, and financial technology; elements that have all been successfully tested by the Kayoola EV between Kampala and Cape Town.

Flagged off on November 20, 2025, the all-electric coach has crossed diverse terrains and climates, proving that Ugandan innovation is fully optimized for African conditions. From steep mountains to arid desert roads and bustling urban corridors, the Kayoola delivered consistent performance, validated its energy-saving design, and demonstrated the durability needed for long-haul commercial operations. In its wake, it left a trail of quantifiable achievements including; reduced emissions, significant fuel savings, and compelling evidence for a lower Total Cost of Ownership compared to diesel alternatives.

This historic expedition has also delivered a major commercial victory: a landmark contract for 450 Kayoola E-Coaches and 75 DC Fast Chargers, announced in Johannesburg. This breakthrough confirms that Uganda’s electric-mobility solutions meet world-class standards and positions the country as a rising exporter of high-value technology within Africa. For the first time, Africa is witnessing a flagship example of the AfCFTA transforming from policy into real, cross-border industrial trade.

Paul Amoru, the Ugandan High commissioner in South Africa described the triumph as a deeply Ugandan story, rooted in nearly two decades of national investment in science, technology, and innovation to a tune of USD120 million.

“This Expedition has demonstrated that Uganda can design, engineer and deploy indigenous solutions for the continent,” Amoru said, “MTN is such a success story in Uganda and across the continent. We are pleased that they came on board to support this initiative,”

While delivering her keynote remarks, Dr. Musenero highlighted the longstanding commercial relationship between Uganda and South Africa.

“This achievement is not just a technological milestone; it is the beginning of a continental industrial revolution powered by African innovation and proves that Uganda can build world-class technology that performs reliably across Africa,” she said.

For Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC), builders of the Kayoola E-Coach, the expedition is the most important real-world validation of their design and manufacturing philosophy.

“This expedition has provided the real-world data and confidence the market. Securing the contract for 450 E-Coaches is proof that Ugandan engineering is ready to compete and lead in Africa’s transition to sustainable mobility,” said Enock Mwesigwa, the Senior Manager Sales and Product Support.

As the Kayoola E-Coach prepares for its return journey to Kampala, Uganda stands taller than ever. The nation has proven that its engineers, innovators, and institutions can deliver advanced, reliable, globally competitive technology. More importantly, it has demonstrated that African solutions, designed by Africans, for Africa, can redefine the continent’s economic and technological destiny.