President Museveni Hosts Homecoming Luncheon for Pearl to Cape Expedition, Hails Uganda’s Industrialisation and Innovation Journey

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today hosted a luncheon at State House, Entebbe, in honour of the successful Presidential Pearl to Cape Expedition 2025, celebrating the historic journey of the Kayoola EVS electric coach from Uganda to South Africa and back.

The expedition, which covered more than 13,700 kilometres across several African countries, showcased Uganda’s growing capabilities in science, technology, innovation, electric mobility and local manufacturing, while reinforcing the country’s ambition to become a regional hub for automotive production.

In his remarks, President Museveni congratulated Kiira Motors Corporation, led by Chief Executive Officer Paul Isaac Musasizi, together with the engineers, scientists and partners, for demonstrating that Uganda can successfully design, manufacture and operate world-class electric vehicles.

The President described the achievement as part of Africa’s industrial renaissance, noting that it reflects the National Resistance Movement’s vision of building an integrated, self-sustaining economy based on local production, value addition and modern technology.

He observed that before colonialism, African societies possessed thriving artisan industries that supported agriculture, defence and household production, but these were gradually displaced by imported products. He said Kiira Motors represents a return to that tradition through modern industrialisation, enabling Ugandans to produce vehicles for both domestic and regional markets.

President Museveni commended the resilience of the scientists and innovators behind the project and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting home-grown industries that create jobs, promote value addition and strengthen Uganda’s industrial base.

To accelerate the country’s electric mobility agenda, the President directed the relevant ministries and agencies to fast-track measures to expand Kiira Motors’ production capacity, increase government procurement of locally manufactured buses, strengthen electric public transport systems, and support local battery manufacturing through strategic public-private partnerships.

He further welcomed proposals to partner with private investors to mobilise financing for battery production and the expansion of the Kiira Vehicle Plant, saying Uganda must move with speed to remain competitive in science, technology and manufacturing.

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Jonard Asiimwe, thanked the President for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for science, technology and innovation in Uganda. He commended the President for creating an enabling environment that has allowed home-grown innovations to flourish.

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Dr Monica Musenero Masanza, described the successful Kampala–Cape Town electric bus expedition as a landmark achievement for Uganda’s industrialisation agenda, saying it demonstrated the country’s growing engineering and manufacturing capabilities. She noted that the journey showcased the strength and reliability of a vehicle designed and built by Ugandans, proving that local innovation can compete on the continental stage.

The Minister further observed that the impact of Kiira Motors extends beyond vehicle production, having inspired curriculum reforms in engineering education, strengthened local supply chains, and created opportunities for home-grown industries. She emphasised that innovation-driven industries should be valued not only for their immediate financial returns but also for their broader contribution to skills development, job creation, technology transfer and long-term economic transformation.

She said the successful journey across the continent demonstrated the strength of Ugandan engineering and highlighted the country’s growing capacity to manufacture world-class vehicles. She applauded the collaboration between Government, academia and the private sector, particularly recognising Makerere University for nurturing the research and innovation behind Kiira Motors.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Kiira Motors Corporation, Paul Isaac Musasizi, described the Pearl to Cape Expedition as a major milestone in demonstrating the reliability, efficiency and commercial viability of Uganda’s locally manufactured electric buses.

He noted that the expedition proved that electric buses can significantly reduce transport costs while showcasing Uganda’s engineering excellence on the African continent.

Mr. Musasizi thanked President Museveni for his unwavering support for science, technology and innovation, saying Government investment has enabled the establishment of the Kiira Vehicle Plant, the largest bus manufacturing facility of its kind in Africa.

He revealed that the corporation has secured growing regional demand for its buses and appealed for continued Government support through long-term procurement commitments, expansion of electric public transport services and investment in local battery manufacturing to accelerate industrialisation and job creation.

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 highlighted MTN’s partnership during the Pearl to Cape Expedition, noting that the company provided uninterrupted internet connectivity, enabled real-time vehicle tracking across several African countries, and supported cashless payment solutions through MTN Mobile Money.

Ms. Mulinge said the successful expedition demonstrated that Ugandan innovation can provide solutions for Africa and announced plans to continue working with Kiira Motors to develop connected vehicles equipped with smart fleet management technologies.

She added that MTN remains committed to investing in digital infrastructure that supports industrialisation, agriculture, public service delivery and Uganda’s broader economic transformation.

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.

The successful completion of the Pearl to Cape Expedition marks another significant milestone in Uganda’s journey towards becoming a leader in innovation, electric mobility and advanced manufacturing on the African continent.

 

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