The Kingdom of Lesotho plans to acquire 20 buses from Uganda’s Kiira Motors Corporation, while President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged an additional five vehicles to the southern African country.
The proposal was discussed on November 10, 2026, during a meeting between President Museveni and Lesotho’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Limpho Justice Tau, at State House, Entebbe.
Tau visited Uganda as a special envoy carrying a message from Lesotho’s Prime Minister, Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane, who expressed his government’s interest in purchasing 20 buses manufactured by Kiira Motors to address transportation needs in his country.
President 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 to facilitate the proposed acquisition.
The Lesotho Prime Minister also requested an additional five buses as support from Uganda, a request Museveni accepted, pledging to donate the vehicles.
In a post on X, Museveni said: “I welcome Lesotho’s decision to purchase 20 buses from our own Kiira Motors. I have also pledged five additional buses to the Kingdom.”
The proposed arrangement would bring the number of Ugandan-made buses expected to be supplied to Lesotho to 25, comprising 20 commercial purchases and five donated vehicles.
Following the State House meeting, the Lesotho delegation visited Kiira Motors’ vehicle manufacturing plant at the Jinja Industrial and Business Park to inspect its production facilities and discuss the proposed acquisition.
The delegation was led by Tau and Lesotho’s Minister of Public Works and Transport, Matjato Moteane. They toured the manufacturing facilities, viewed the company’s vehicle exhibitions and held discussions with Kiira Motors officials on the next steps towards the proposed purchase.
Kiira Motors said the visit followed the discussions with President Museveni and was intended to allow the delegation to familiarise itself with the company’s manufacturing capabilities and products.
The development presents an opportunity for the Ugandan manufacturer to expand its market beyond the domestic market and establish a presence in Southern Africa.
Kiira Motors Corporation is a government-backed vehicle manufacturer that produces electric and conventional vehicles, including buses designed for public transport.
Its electric buses, developed under the Kayoola brand, are part of Uganda’s efforts to develop a domestic automotive industry and promote locally manufactured transport solutions.
The proposed Lesotho acquisition comes as Uganda continues investing in local vehicle manufacturing, with government promoting the use of locally produced vehicles in public transport and other sectors.
However, details of the proposed transaction, including the value of the 20 buses, financing arrangements, specific models and delivery schedule, have not yet been announced.
It was also not immediately clear how the five donated buses would be financed or when they would be delivered.
The proposed supply would mark an opportunity for Kiira Motors to secure a significant government customer outside Uganda, although the purchase will depend on the conclusion of the necessary commercial and logistical arrangements.
