Uganda’s growing automotive industry has received another international boost after the Kingdom of Lesotho expressed interest in purchasing 20 locally manufactured electric buses from Kiira Motors Corporation, in a development that could strengthen Uganda’s position in Africa’s emerging electric mobility market.
Uganda is making significant strides in the automotive manufacturing industry, with locally manufactured vehicles attracting interest beyond the country’s borders. In the latest development, the Kingdom of Lesotho is set to purchase 20 electric buses manufactured by Uganda’s Kiira Motors Corporation, marking another important milestone for the country’s growing vehicle manufacturing sector.
The development was discussed on November 10, 2026, during a meeting at State House in Entebbe between President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Lesotho’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Limpho Justice Tau.
The minister was visiting Uganda as a special envoy carrying a message from Lesotho’s Prime Minister, Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane, who expressed his government’s interest in acquiring the Ugandan-made buses to improve transportation services in the southern African kingdom.
President Museveni welcomed the proposal and directed Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Regional Affairs), Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, to work with Kiira Motors Corporation to facilitate the proposed purchase.
Uganda to Supply a Total of 25 Buses to Lesotho
Beyond the proposed purchase of 20 buses, President Museveni also pledged to donate an additional five buses to Lesotho following a request from Prime Minister Matekane.
This brings the expected number of Ugandan-manufactured buses destined for Lesotho to 25, comprising 20 buses to be purchased by the Lesotho government and five additional buses pledged by President Museveni.
The proposed arrangement represents an opportunity for Kiira Motors Corporation to expand its presence in the African market while demonstrating Uganda’s growing capacity to develop and manufacture modern transport solutions.
Although the purchase and delivery arrangements will require further coordination, the development signals growing regional interest in Uganda’s locally manufactured vehicles.
Kiira Motors and the Future of Electric Mobility in Uganda
Kiira Motors Corporation is Uganda’s state-owned vehicle manufacturer, known for developing electric and other locally manufactured vehicles, including buses designed for public transportation.
According to the Daily Monitor report, the company’s fully electric buses have an estimated driving range of up to 300 kilometres on a full charge, making them a promising option for public transport operations.
The development also comes as Uganda continues pursuing its electric mobility ambitions, including plans to introduce 1,500 electric buses across 14 urban centres.
The wider adoption of electric buses could help transform public transportation by reducing dependence on conventional fuel, lowering transport-related emissions and encouraging investment in charging infrastructure and supporting technologies.
For Uganda, the growth of electric vehicle manufacturing also presents opportunities in engineering, technology, industrial development and employment creation.
What This Means for Uganda’s Passenger Transport Industry
The proposed Lesotho deal is particularly significant for Uganda’s wider passenger transport industry.
Buses and minibuses remain essential to transportation across the country, supporting tourism, corporate travel, school transportation, airport transfers and everyday passenger movement.
As Uganda’s automotive manufacturing capabilities continue to develop, the transport industry could benefit from increased innovation, greater awareness of alternative vehicle technologies and new possibilities for modernising passenger transportation.
Electric mobility is also becoming an increasingly important consideration for transport operators looking at long-term operating costs, fuel consumption and environmental sustainability.
However, the successful adoption of electric buses will depend on several factors, including vehicle acquisition costs, charging infrastructure, maintenance capacity, battery performance and the availability of reliable technical support.
Minibus and Group Transportation Services in Uganda
While large electric buses are designed primarily for public transportation and high-capacity passenger movement, minibuses continue to play an important role in Uganda’s private and commercial transport sector.
For organisations, families, tour operators and corporate groups, hiring a minibus offers a convenient way to move several passengers together without the need to hire multiple smaller vehicles.
At Uganda Car Rental Services, we provide minibus rental in Uganda for different group transportation needs across Uganda. Our minibuses typically accommodate between 10 and 30 passengers and are suitable for corporate transportation, family trips, school excursions, airport transfers, events and guided tours.
Our fleet includes popular passenger transport options such as the Toyota Coaster, with professional drivers available to support comfortable and convenient group travel.
As Uganda’s transport industry continues to evolve, reliable passenger transportation services will remain essential for connecting people, businesses and tourism destinations.
Uganda’s Automotive Industry Looks Beyond Its Borders
Lesotho’s proposed acquisition of 20 electric buses, together with the additional five buses pledged by President Museveni, represents an encouraging development for Uganda’s automotive manufacturing ambitions.
It highlights the potential for locally manufactured vehicles to serve markets beyond Uganda while contributing to the continent’s wider transition towards modern and sustainable transportation.
As Kiira Motors Corporation continues developing its manufacturing capabilities and exploring regional opportunities, Uganda could become an increasingly important player in Africa’s automotive and electric mobility landscape.
For the country’s transport sector, the development is another reminder that the future of passenger mobility will involve innovation, efficiency, sustainability and dependable transportation solutions.
Looking for reliable group transportation in Uganda? Uganda Car Rental Services offers convenient minibus hire options for corporate groups, family travel, airport transfers, events and tours across Uganda.
To book a minibus rental in Uganda for private group transportation- contact our team by emailing to info@ugandacarrentalservices.com or call +256 700 135 510 for booking enquiries.
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