On September 8, 2025, the streets of Uganda witnessed a groundbreaking moment: the first confirmed sighting of a Tesla Cybertruck, a futuristic all-electric pickup truck that has captured global attention since its debut. This angular, stainless steel-clad vehicle, with its sci-fi aesthetic, was spotted in Gulu City and along the Expressway, sparking a wave of excitement, curiosity, and debate among Ugandans. Social media platforms, particularly X, erupted with reactions, signaling the arrival of a new era in Uganda’s automotive landscape.
A Futuristic Beast on Ugandan Roads
The Tesla Cybertruck, first unveiled in 2019, is unlike any traditional pickup truck. With its sharp edges, ultra-hard stainless steel exoskeleton, and advanced electric powertrain, it’s designed to combine rugged utility with cutting-edge technology. Its appearance in Uganda, a country where EVs are still a rarity, marks a significant milestone in the nation’s journey toward sustainable transportation.
The sighting was first reported on X, with users sharing photos and videos of the Cybertruck in Gulu City and along the Expressway. @KaijahNorman posted, “First time spotting the Tesla Cybertruck in Uganda 🇺🇬🤯! The future has officially landed 🚀⚡ #Cybertruck UgandaMeetsTech #ElonMuskThings”. Another user, @EngineerBk_, expressed disbelief, stating, “Cente tye Gulu pe dong apyem. Just on my way back home this evening can’t believe I showed Tesla Cybertruck at Buganda Pub Highway Lounge Gulu city today😪😁 Where you People getting all the money from😩”. The sentiment of awe was echoed by @ZhakaIsaac, who remarked, “First Ugandan to drive a cyber truck on Ugandan roads @elonmusk this Ugandan must be a scientist”. However, not all reactions were purely celebratory. @TerryMarkT1 humorously noted the Cybertruck being towed, saying, “Just seen a Tesla Cybertruck being flatbed towed along the Expressway. You can never convince me that Ugandans don’t have cash!😅”.
These reactions highlight a mix of excitement, pride, and curiosity about the Cybertruck’s presence, as well as questions about its practicality in Uganda’s context, where EV infrastructure is still developing.
Rumored Owner: A Mystery Mogul or a Tech Enthusiast?
Speculation about the Cybertruck’s owner is rife, though no confirmed identity has emerged. Social media posts suggest the owner could be a wealthy Ugandan entrepreneur, a tech enthusiast, or someone with international connections, given the vehicle’s high cost and the logistics of importing it. The Cybertruck’s presence in Gulu, a northern city, has led some to speculate that the owner might be a prominent figure in the region, possibly involved in business or philanthropy. Others believe it could be a publicity stunt by a car dealership or an influencer, similar to the marketing tactics seen in Nigeria, where luxury car influencer Ola of Lagos listed a used Cybertruck for ₦350 million, sparking debate
While no specific names have been confirmed, the owner’s ability to afford a vehicle priced at over UGX 219 million (see pricing below) suggests they are among Uganda’s elite. The mystery only adds to the Cybertruck’s allure, as Ugandans on X continue to speculate about who could afford such a futuristic machine.
Implications for Uganda’s EV Market
The Cybertruck’s arrival is a pivotal moment for Uganda’s nascent EV market. While the country has made strides in sustainable transportation—most notably through Kiira Motors Corporation, which developed Africa’s first electric vehicle in 2011 and plans to produce electric buses—EVs remain a niche segment. The lack of widespread charging infrastructure, high import costs, and an inconsistent power grid pose significant challenges.
However, the Cybertruck’s presence could catalyze change. As seen in Nigeria, where the Cybertruck’s arrival sparked interest among celebrities and elites, its appearance in Uganda could inspire affluent buyers and businesses to explore EVs. Platforms like EV24.africa, which offers transparent pricing and financing for EVs, are already making electric vehicles more accessible in Uganda. The Cybertruck’s high-profile status could also prompt investments in charging stations, especially in urban centers like Kampala and Gulu. With Uganda’s abundant sunlight, solar-powered charging solutions, as promoted by EV24.africa, could address grid reliability issues.
Moreover, the Cybertruck’s arrival aligns with Uganda’s push for green mobility. Kiira Motors’ plans to produce electric buses in Jinja by 2021, supported by the government and Chinese manufacturer CHTC Motor, indicate a growing commitment to domestic EV production. The Cybertruck could serve as a high-profile example of EV potential, encouraging policy support for tax incentives and infrastructure development.
However, challenges remain. The high cost of EVs, including the Cybertruck, limits accessibility to a small segment of the population. Import duties (25%) and VAT (18%) further inflate prices. Additionally, the lack of Tesla-trained technicians in Uganda could complicate maintenance, as seen in Nigeria, where owners rely on premium auto electricians or overseas engineers. Despite these hurdles, the Cybertruck’s presence signals a shift in perception, positioning EVs as status symbols and viable alternatives to traditional vehicles
Tesla Cybertruck Specs
The Tesla Cybertruck is a marvel of engineering, blending performance, durability, and innovation. Here are the key specifications for the 2025 models, based on available data:
- Variants: Three configurations are available:
- Cyberbeast: Tri-motor all-wheel drive (AWD), offering top-tier performance.
- Dual-Motor AWD: Balances power and efficiency.
- Long Range (RWD): Single-motor rear-wheel drive, optimized for range.
- Range: EPA estimates range from 320 to 350 miles (515 to 565 km) per charge, depending on the variant. The Long Range model achieves 366 miles with 18” wheels and a soft tonneau cover.
- Powertrain: Fully electric, with a 123 kWh battery. The Cyberbeast delivers up to 885 lb-ft of torque
- Performance: The Cyberbeast is the fastest, with a 0-60 mph time of approximately 2.6 seconds. The dual-motor variant offers strong acceleration for daily driving.
- Body: Ultra-hard stainless steel exoskeleton with a torsional stiffness of 45 kNm/deg, comparable to supercars.
- Safety: Earned a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA, with features like Full Self-Driving (Supervised), Blind Spot Monitoring, Forward Collision Warning, and Active Emergency Braking.
- Features: Adaptive air suspension, 360-degree acoustic glass, all-glass roof, 18.5-inch front touchscreen, rear touchscreen, and Powershare (up to 11.5 kW of continuous power from the battery).
- Utility: Can tow up to 11,000 lbs and has a payload capacity of 2,500 lbs. The truck bed is 6.5 feet long, though its design prioritizes style over maximum cargo space
Price of the Base Model CyberTruck in Uganda
The base model Cybertruck (single-motor RWD, Long Range) has a starting price of $60,990 in the United States. In Uganda, factoring in import duties (25%), VAT (18%), and additional shipping and clearing costs, the price escalates significantly. According to local market estimates, the base model Cybertruck is priced at approximately UGX 219,564,000 ($60,990 USD equivalent) as of January 31, 2025, with slight variations expected across cities like Kampala, Gulu, and Lira. This price excludes additional fees for platform or delivery services, and higher-end variants like the Cyberbeast can cost upwards of UGX 365,394,340.
The Road Ahead
The Tesla Cybertruck’s sighting in Uganda is more than a spectacle; it’s a harbinger of change in a country poised to embrace sustainable transportation. While challenges like infrastructure and cost persist, the excitement generated by this futuristic truck—evident in the buzz on X—suggests growing interest in EVs. Whether the owner is a business tycoon, a tech visionary, or an importer testing the market, their investment underscores Uganda’s potential as an emerging EV hub. As platforms like EV24.africa and local manufacturers like Kiira Motors continue to innovate, the Cybertruck’s presence could inspire a new generation of Ugandan drivers to envision a cleaner, tech-driven future.For now, the Cybertruck remains a rare and awe-inspiring sight, a symbol of what’s possible when innovation meets ambition. As
@KaijahNorman on X aptly put it, “The future has officially landed”. Uganda’s EV journey is just beginning, and the Cybertruck is leading the charge.
