In a landmark achievement for Ugandan manufacturing and technology, a bus built in Uganda has successfully completed a gruelling 13,700-kilometre road journey to South Africa, culminating in the signing of a contract to build and supply 450 buses.
 
The bus, manufactured by the Kiira Motors Corporation based in Jinja, Uganda, was driven to South Africa, traversing five nations: Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, and Eswatini. The expedition, which faced no major mechanical failures, was hailed as a testament to the vehicle's durability and Uganda's growing industrial capability.
 
 
 The bus was officially received in Uganda, Kampala, at a ceremony attended by Uganda's Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, and officials from the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation at an event welcoming back Ugandans who went by bus to South Africa.
 

 

 
 
The driver, Mr. Musa Kalule, who piloted the bus throughout the long-haul trip, commended the vehicle's performance. He stated the bus had no issues and transported them reliably, showcasing Uganda's advanced technological progress.
 
Minister Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala announced that the successful journey and demonstration have directly resulted in South Africa awarding Uganda the contract to manufacture 450 buses. He further revealed that not only South Africa but also the Kingdom of Eswatini has expressed interest in procuring vehicles from Uganda, marking a significant export victory.
 
Ms. Cathy Muhumuza, an official from the Ministry of Science and Technology, emphasised that the bus's journey was a competitive triumph that highlights Uganda's innovation and industrial prowess on the continental stage.
 
The historic expedition was sponsored by MTN Uganda. Mr Ibrahim Ssenyonga, a senior official with the telecom company, expressed his pride in supporting a pioneering mission that began from the conceptual stages in Uganda.
 
The bus carried various Ugandan products, including coffee and different food items, which were promoted and sold along the route. Minister Katumba noted this helped market Ugandan goods internationally.
 
This achievement is being cited as a key accomplishment of the ruling NRM government and President Yoweri Museveni, who has consistently championed science, technology, and local manufacturing. Supporters argue it demonstrates a clear direction for the nation as the country looks toward upcoming elections in 2026.

The Government of Uganda, in partnership with the World Bank, has launched an initiative to enhance the quality and value of cassava farming. A key part of this plan is the construction of a multi-billion shilling cassava processing plant in the Teso sub-region. The factory, set to break ground in January 2026 with an investment of two billion Uganda Shillings, aims to solve persistent challenges faced by cassava farmers.

A group of youth and women engaged in small-scale food vending in Lubaga Division's Busega, Mutundwe, Kibuye, and Ndeeba areas is calling for support from the government's wealth creation programs.

 The vendors, who sell items like chapati, meals, chips, and fruits such as pineapples and bananas, have asked local leaders to present their needs to the Office of the President.

The Savings Group Initiated by National Leader Janet Kataha Museveni, a Women's Empowerment Initiative in Lubaga Division, Gains Momentum and Celebrates Today with 2,170 Members and Growing.

Maama Janet Kataha Museveni initiated this group in 2022 and launched it in the division of Lubaga. The aim is to lift WOMEN out of poverty and teach them savings methodologies. The methodology Maama Janet introduced is one she learned from the country of Bangladesh.

Mukono Municipality Town Clerk, Francis Byabagabi, has issued a stern warning to all individuals and groups that benefited from the Emyooga program but have failed to return the funds. He said those who misused or diverted the money will face arrest as investigations intensify.

Speaking during a meeting with members of various Emyooga groups at the Mukono Municipal Offices, Byabagabi revealed that several cases of mismanagement had already been uncovered. According to him, some beneficiaries disappeared with the money, while others formed briefcase groups to fraudulently access the funds. He added that certain SACCO leaders also connived to keep the money instead of distributing it to the rightful beneficiaries.

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