Uganda has officially unveiled the Kayoola EVS 2025, a state-of-the-art electric bus developed by Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC), marking a major milestone in the country’s journey toward sustainable transportation and locally-driven industrialisation.
The launch was officiated by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa during the week-long National Science Week, held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. The electric bus was ceremoniously handed over to the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), where it will be used to enhance passenger mobility at Entebbe International Airport.
The Kayoola EVS 2025 delivers more than 78% savings in energy costs and over 46% in maintenance expenses compared to traditional fuel-powered vehicles. Equipped with a 350km range, 56-passenger capacity, and modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, CCTV, HVAC, electronic suspension (ECAS), and inclusive accessibility features, the Kayoola EVS is tailored for the dynamic needs of African urban environments.
“This is more than a bus. It is a symbol of self-reliance, industrial growth, and belief in home-grown innovation,” said Tayebwa.
In his keynote speech, Tayebwa hailed the Kayoola EVS as a “home-grown solution built by our own people for our own needs” and called for greater national confidence in local innovation and industrial capacity.
“What we import from abroad does not compare. Let’s take advantage of our resources and integrate technology in public spaces, schools, hospitals, and industries to ensure we do not fall behind,” he urged.
He emphasized Uganda’s strategic shift toward pre-funded innovation ecosystems, highlighting sectors such as biomedicine, disease control, diagnostics, and vaccine production as ripe for commercial breakthroughs.
Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Monica Musenero, also addressed attendees, saying Uganda has moved from “breaking silos and building aspirations” to building a structured scientific ecosystem ready for market entry.
“We are now at a stage where we are creating structures and platforms for science to become industry,” she said, reinforcing government’s commitment to commercialising research and innovation.
The integration of the Kayoola EVS 2025 into Uganda’s transport system — particularly at strategic nodes like airports — signifies a long-term commitment to reducing carbon emissions, boosting public sector efficiency, and creating local jobs in high-tech manufacturing.
Industry analysts say the bus’s deployment demonstrates that Africa can design and build world-class electric vehicles, with economic, environmental, and social benefits aligned with the continent’s broader sustainable development goals (SDGs).
