Entebbe, Uganda – September 11, 2025 – President Yoweri Museveni has officially unveiled Uganda’s first-ever armored, all-terrain firefighting vehicle, nicknamed the “Muliro/Moto Eater”, during a high-profile ceremony at State House, Entebbe.
The event attracted senior government officials and an international audience, including diplomats from the United States, European Union, and Russia, underlining the vehicle’s potential as a global game-changer in disaster response technology.
The Muliro/Moto Eater was designed to solve one of the biggest challenges in modern firefighting — reaching and controlling wildfires in rugged, remote, and mountainous terrain where conventional fire engines and even aircraft often fail.
“As a man of war, I have fought fires myself using branches. I know how destructive wildfires can be — not just in Uganda, but globally,” President Museveni said.
“This vehicle is my contribution to saving lives and protecting communities. It is faster, stronger, and more effective than planes that drop limited water from above.”
President Museveni conceived the idea several years ago and pitched it to former U.S. Ambassador Deborah Malac as a land-based solution to wildfire control. In 2023, he partnered with Marcé Industries, a South African engineering firm, to turn his concept into a reality.
Marcé Industries, working in collaboration with Specialized Concept, built the prototype at its own cost, integrating Museveni’s tactical input and indigenous knowledge into the final design.
Uganda’s National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) and the Ministry of Works and Transport later inspected and approved the vehicle, confirming that it meets technical and operational standards.
All-terrain mobility – Rubber tracks allow it to climb hills, cross ditches, and move in areas regular fire trucks cannot reach.
High speed – Can travel up to 60 km/h, making it ideal for rapid deployment.
Armored design – Built to withstand extreme heat and debris during operations.
Locust control system – Equipped with a spray system for agricultural pest management, increasing its usefulness.
Versatility – Can be adapted for other disaster-response roles, including rescue operations.
President Museveni emphasized that the Muliro/Moto Eater is not just for Uganda but is a humanitarian innovation that can be deployed anywhere in the world where wildfires threaten communities — including the USA, Greece, Australia, and Canada.
“This is Uganda’s gift to the world — a practical solution to a global problem,” Museveni said.
“It shows that Africa can innovate, build, and contribute to global safety.”
With this unveiling, Uganda positions itself as a pioneer in indigenous, home-grown disaster technology, and experts believe this could open doors for manufacturing, export opportunities, and new jobs for Ugandan engineers and innovators.
