KAMPALA, Uganda — Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Monica Musenero pointed to the international success of Ugandan-made electric vehicles Friday while launching National Science Week 2026.
Speaking at the Serena Hotel, Musenero cited the Kayoola electric bus as a primary example of the country’s growing engineering capabilities. The bus recently completed a 13,000-kilometer journey from Kampala to Cape Town, South Africa, demonstrating that locally manufactured products can compete on a global scale.
“We are demonstrating results across mobility, manufacturing, and now the digital economy,” Musenero said. “From electric vehicles crossing the continent, to locally made products entering new markets, to young developers building solutions for real-world challenges.”
The minister said these achievements signal that Uganda is entering a results-driven phase following five years of intensive investment in science and technology.
National Science Week will take place from April 30 to May 3 at the Kololo Independence Grounds under the theme of powering Uganda to a $500 billion economy. The event will focus on market-ready innovations and feature a national hackathon alongside global pitch sessions to connect innovators with capital.
Peter Ourien, undersecretary at the STI secretariat, said the government remains focused on showing the multiplier effect of technology on the economy. However, he noted that an investment gap persists, as many domestic investors continue to prioritize traditional sectors like real estate over innovation-driven enterprises.
The week’s activities will include investor roundtables and policy dialogues involving partners such as Kiira Motors Corp. and the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology.
