Despite its heavy, angular frame, it accelerates with astonishing smoothness, all thanks to instant electric torque. It is quiet, stable, and surprisingly responsive for its size
When Roland Nasasira got behind the wheel of Uganda's first Tesla Cybertruck, he discovered that the American-made electric beast is more than just a viral sensation; it is a bold mix of innovation, simplicity, and raw futuristic power, built to survive even Kampala's roads.
About five months ago, social media was awash with photos of the American-made Tesla Cybertruck on a car carrier. The big question then was how Ugandans could afford such a futuristic machine. As the dust settled, it became known that the first Cybertruck owner was a motorist from Gulu District in northern Uganda.
While the online chatter has since died down, I had the chance to test-drive the Tesla Cybertruck at the weekend and discovered that there is much more to this conversation-starter than its boxy looks or viral fame.
The model I drove was a 2023 Tesla Cybertruck, and the first thing that caught my eye inside was a badge engraved "Foundation Series."
This meant it was one of the earliest, premium-edition units produced. These first-edition trucks were priced at around $100,000 (about Shs360m) at the time and came with added perks such as lifetime supercharging and autonomous self-driving features.
Later versions went for between $20,000 (Shs70m) and $30,000 (Shs106m) more in the US, but few vehicles rival the exclusivity of these initial models.
Minimalist interior
Stepping inside the Cybertruck feels like walking into the future, or a minimalist art gallery on wheels. The cabin has little clutter, featuring cone-shaped leather seats, a square steering wheel, and a massive 18.5-inch smart screen at the centre of the dashboard. This single screen replaces the instrument cluster and displays everything, from driving speed and drive modes to navigation through Google Maps. Most performance and comfort settings, including suspension adjustments, are accessible via the touchscreen.
With its adjustable ground clearance, you can raise or lower the truck depending on terrain, much like in a Mercedes-Benz GLE 400d 4Matic, making it practical for Kampala's pothole-filled roads or off-road trails.
Tech for everyone on board
The five-seater Cybertruck does not forget its rear passengers. Those in the back have their own smart screen positioned behind the front centre console, giving them control over their own infotainment.
For music lovers, the vehicle comes with two built-in subwoofers that deliver crisp, amplified sound without needing external upgrades. From navigation to volume, everything is controlled digitally, similar to what I experienced in the Tesla Model Y during a previous test drive.
Boxy but bold
From the outside, the Cybertruck looks like nothing else on the road but a steel fortress on wheels. Its body panels are made of ultra-hard stainless steel, meaning scratches from reckless boda-bodas or parking scrapes are no cause for worry. The reinforced glass windows and sharp LED light bar stretching across the front give it a commanding presence, especially at night.
At the back, the truck has a 6.5-foot bed covered by a retractable tonneau that opens or closes at the touch of a button. Up front, instead of an engine, there is another storage trunk, a design reminiscent of the old Volkswagen Beetle, whose engine sat at the rear. With no traditional powertrain, Tesla turned the front space into practical cargo storage.
On the road
Driving the Cybertruck is unlike anything else. Despite its heavy, angular frame, it accelerates with astonishing smoothness, all thanks to instant electric torque. It is quiet, stable, and surprisingly responsive for its size. The elevated seating position gives a commanding view of the road, and its suspension absorbs bumps with confidence.
During my test drive from Munyonyo to Kigo in Kampala, I left the main road briefly to test its off-road worthiness by the lakeside.
On tarmac, it glides effortlessly, the power delivery gentle and silent. But when I switched to the off-road setting and eased it onto sandy, uneven ground, the truck impressed even more.
With just a tap of a power button on the smart screen, it powered through lakeside sand and muddy patches without a hint of strain. You do not feel it struggle; the acceleration remains smooth and confident even when the terrain gets tricky, a clear reminder that the Cybertruck is not just about looks but performance.
It does not just look futuristic; it drives like the future too.
Charging and range
When fully charged, the Cybertruck can cover up to 500 kilometres, depending on driving style and terrain. However, charging infrastructure remains a key limitation in Uganda. In Kampala, only a few places such as Total Wampewo in Kololo, have fast chargers for electric cars. Tesla owners would need to invest in a mobile fast charger that fits into standard sockets to recharge on the go. The touchscreen clearly displays remaining battery power and estimated range.
The catch
As exciting as the Cybertruck is, it does not come without challenges. Because it is purely electric, servicing or repairs can be tricky. Uganda currently has no independent garages specialising in electric vehicles.
Apart from major dealerships such as Nissan Motorcare, which services the Nissan Leaf, few technicians have the expertise or equipment to handle a Tesla. That means owning one comes with a fair share of risk; a unique car may come with unique mechanical headaches.
And then there is its polarising design. Its sharp edges and flat panels are not for everyone; they appeal to a specific crowd that values boldness over convention. You would not confuse it with a G-Wagon or AMG G63, and that is partly the point.
The Tesla Cybertruck is not just a car; it is a statement of technology, sustainability, and individuality. It might look like a metal box in motion, but it challenges how we think about design, power, and the future of driving in Uganda.
In a city where nearly every car looks the same, the Cybertruck does what Teslas do best: start conversations wherever it goes.
Price and verdict
Mujib Tusuubira, a car dealer in Naguru, says a used Tesla Cybertruck now costs around $120,000 (about Shs432m) at an exchange rate of Shs3,600 per dollar.
For that price, you get one of the most futuristic vehicles ever built, one that breaks the mold of what we expect from a pickup. But you also need to plan for its unique demands, from charging to maintenance.