In Summary: The deal, sealed at State House Entebbe with Lesotho’s special envoy Limpho Justice Tau, could open another African market for Uganda’s automotive industry, although the purchase arrangements, contract value and delivery schedule are yet to be announced.
Entebbe, Uganda — Uganda’s locally owned vehicle manufacturer, Kiira Motors Corporation, is set to supply 25 buses to the Kingdom of Lesotho following discussions between President Yoweri Museveni and a special envoy from the southern African country.
The proposal was discussed on November 10, 2026, at State House Entebbe during a meeting between Museveni and Lesotho’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Limpho Justice Tau, who delivered a message from Prime Minister Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane.
In his message, Matekane expressed his government’s interest in purchasing 20 buses manufactured by Kiira Motors to address transportation needs in Lesotho.
Museveni welcomed the proposal and directed Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, to work with Kiira Motors Corporation to facilitate the proposed purchase.
The Lesotho Prime Minister also requested additional assistance in the form of five buses, a request Museveni accepted, pledging to donate the vehicles to the kingdom.
This would bring the expected supply to 25 buses, comprising 20 to be purchased by the Lesotho government and five to be donated by Museveni.
The development offers Kiira Motors an opportunity to expand its presence in the African market while strengthening commercial and diplomatic relations between Uganda and Lesotho.
Kiira Motors eyes wider African market
The proposed acquisition is another potential opportunity for Uganda’s automotive industry, which has been investing in local vehicle manufacturing as part of efforts to reduce dependence on imported transport equipment and build domestic industrial capacity.
Kiira Motors Corporation is a government-backed vehicle manufacturer with its production plant located at the Jinja Industrial and Business Park.
The company manufactures electric and conventional vehicles, including buses designed for public transport and other mobility applications.
Government investment in the Jinja facility has supported the development of vehicle manufacturing infrastructure, with an installed production capacity of 2,500 vehicles annually, according to the Ministry of Finance’s reporting on the project.
The company has also pursued opportunities beyond Uganda, positioning its locally manufactured vehicles for regional and continental markets.
The proposed Lesotho purchase could therefore provide another platform for Uganda-made buses to enter a foreign public transport market.
However, the announcement did not disclose the models of buses being considered, the estimated value of the 20-bus purchase, financing arrangements or the expected delivery timeline.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
