In a monumental demonstration of Ugandan innovation and corporate partnership, MTN Uganda has been announced as the lead sponsor and dedicated connectivity partner for the upcoming Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) Expedition titled: “Made in Uganda to Africa: An Electric Trans-African Expedition of Technology and Innovation.”
The 30-day 13,000-kilometre journey, traversing six African nations, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Eswatini, and South Africa, will be undertaken by the flagship Kayoola Electric Coach 13M Model 2025, a vehicle built by Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC).
The dedication session for this monumental undertaking was held at the Protea Hotel in Kampala. The event, which acknowledged the magnitude of the journey, commenced with dedication prayers led by Pr. Deogratius Musoke, seeking spiritual direction and guidance for the vehicle, the crew, and the expedition’s success.
The gathering drew high-level delegates, including representatives from the President’s office, KMC leadership, and MTN Uganda executives, among others.
MTN Uganda’s involvement as the lead sponsor is central to the expedition’s operational safety and success, as the company will provide the critical digital infrastructure to ensure continuous operational oversight, guaranteeing constant contact between the moving asset and mission control throughout its transit.
“MTN’s connectivity solutions will serve as the primary conduit for enhanced crew security, enabling precise tracking and immediate emergency communication,” said Ibrahim Senyonga, General Manager, Enterprise Business Unit (EBU) at MTN Uganda, emphasizing the company’s commitment to powering Africa’s digital and clean mobility future.
“We fundamentally believe that this fully electric bus, built in Uganda for Africa, and powered by MTN’s unrivalled network, represents the golden thread that will weave our continent’s collective dreams of innovation, connectivity, and clean mobility into reality,” he said.
Additionally, MTN Uganda will support the travelling team with its smart travel package, including e-SIMs, webphones, and the MoMo virtual cards to enable seamless connectivity and e-payments for the team while abroad.
The expedition is a proud showcase of Uganda’s drive toward an e-Mobility ecosystem, a vision championed by the government of Uganda under the President’s Office.
In her remarks, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, said, “This rigorous 13,000-kilometre transit is a testament to the transformative power of Ugandan enterprise and technological ideation. We are proud to see our nation’s vision for e-Mobility take on this continental journey, proving our capacity to lead in green technology.”
Musenero lauded the engineering prowess and the enabling environment created by the Ministry for this achievement. She also commended the unwavering commitment demonstrated by the President’s office towards nurturing this environment of creativity and ideation.
Isaac Paul Musasizi, CEO of Kiira Motors Corporation, said the flagship Kayoola Electric Coach 13M Model 2025 embodies engineering excellence. While highlighting the vehicle’s significance and the importance of the partnership, he said, “The expedition is more than a drive; it is an illumination of the potential of an innovative Uganda and a connected Africa.” Adding “The support from MTN as our lead sponsor is crucial in ensuring the safety and continuous operational success of our crew and assets throughout the journey and beyond.”
With only a couple of days left before its flag off, the “Made in Uganda to Africa: An Electric Trans-African Expedition of Technology and Innovation” is set to successfully illuminate the potential of an innovative Uganda and a connected Africa, upholding the spirit of: “Together, we are Unstoppable.”
