The expedition covered more than 13,700 kilometres across several African countries, showcasing Uganda’s growing capabilities in science, technology, innovation, electric mobility and local manufacturing.
The journey also highlighted Uganda’s ambitions to position itself as a regional hub for automotive production and advanced manufacturing.
During the luncheon, President Museveni congratulated Kiira Motors Corporation, led by Chief Executive Officer Paul Isaac Musasizi, together with the engineers, scientists and partners behind the project, for demonstrating Uganda’s ability to design, manufacture and operate electric vehicles.
The President described the achievement as part of Africa’s industrial transformation, saying it reflects the country’s vision of building a self-sustaining economy anchored on local production, value addition and modern technology.
He noted that Kiira Motors represents a revival of Africa’s industrial potential through modern innovation, enabling Ugandans to develop products that can serve both domestic and regional markets.
President Museveni commended the scientists and innovators involved in the project and reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting local industries that create jobs, promote value addition and strengthen Uganda’s manufacturing sector.
To accelerate Uganda’s electric mobility agenda, the President directed relevant ministries and agencies to fast-track measures aimed at expanding Kiira Motors’ production capacity, increasing government procurement of locally manufactured buses, strengthening electric public transport systems and supporting local battery manufacturing through strategic partnerships.
He also welcomed proposals to work with private investors to mobilise financing for battery production and expansion of the Kiira Vehicle Plant, saying Uganda must move quickly to remain competitive in science, technology and manufacturing.
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Jonard Asiimwe, thanked the President for supporting science, technology and innovation initiatives, saying the government’s backing has created an environment where local innovations can thrive.
The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, described the Kampala–Cape Town electric bus expedition as a major milestone in Uganda’s industrialisation journey.
She said the expedition demonstrated the strength and reliability of a vehicle designed and built by Ugandans, proving that local engineering can compete on the continental stage.
Dr. Musenero added that Kiira Motors’ impact goes beyond vehicle manufacturing, noting its contribution to engineering education, local supply chains, skills development, technology transfer and job creation.
She also highlighted the role of partnerships between government, academia and the private sector, particularly the contribution of Makerere University in nurturing research and innovation behind Kiira Motors.
Speaking at the event, Kiira Motors Corporation Chief Executive Officer Paul Isaac Musasizi described the Pearl to Cape Expedition as a major milestone in demonstrating the reliability, efficiency and commercial potential of Uganda’s locally manufactured electric buses.
Musasizi said the journey proved that electric buses can reduce transport costs while showcasing Uganda’s engineering capabilities across Africa.
He thanked the government for its support towards establishing the Kiira Vehicle Plant, which he described as one of Africa’s largest bus manufacturing facilities.
He further revealed that Kiira Motors has received growing regional demand for its buses and called for continued support through long-term procurement commitments, expansion of electric public transport services and investment in local battery manufacturing.
Representing the private sector, MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer Sylvia Mulinge reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s digital transformation and innovation agenda.
She said MTN supported the expedition through uninterrupted internet connectivity, real-time vehicle tracking across countries and cashless payment solutions through MTN Mobile Money.
Mulinge added that the partnership demonstrated Uganda’s capacity to develop technology-driven solutions for Africa and pledged continued collaboration with Kiira Motors in developing connected vehicles and smart fleet management systems.
The luncheon brought together government officials, scientists, engineers, private sector leaders, development partners and representatives from Kiira Motors Corporation, MTN Uganda, Britam Insurance and other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the expedition.