The 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan is as beautiful as they come
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Uganda’s Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has reportedly acquired a 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan, one of the world’s most prestigious luxury sport utility vehicles, in a development that has intensified political debate over wealth, power and public accountability ahead of the race for leadership of the 12th Parliament.
The ultra-luxury SUV, estimated to cost around £440,000 before taxes and shipping charges, was reportedly airlifted into Uganda from the United Kingdom in April 2026 through Albeity Limited, the same company that previously handled the procurement of luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicles for parliamentary leadership in 2022.
Shs4 billion price tag
After freight, taxes and clearance costs, the vehicle’s total estimated value is believed to rise to between Shs3.4 billion and Shs4 billion. Uganda Revenue Authority officials quoted in local media reports indicated that the vehicle attracted approximately Shs1.2 billion in taxes, with arrangements reportedly made for payment in instalments.
The acquisition has generated widespread public discussion, not only because of the cost of the vehicle, but also because the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is widely regarded as a symbol of elite wealth and exclusivity. Produced by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, the Cullinan is named after the Cullinan Diamond, the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered.
The 2025 model combines handcrafted luxury with advanced automotive engineering. It is powered by a 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine capable of producing more than 560 horsepower, enabling the nearly three-tonne SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in under five seconds despite its massive size.
Inside, the Cullinan is designed more like a private jet cabin than a conventional vehicle. The SUV features handcrafted leather upholstery, polished wood veneers, ambient lighting systems, rear executive lounge seating and advanced digital infotainment systems.
Buyers can customize virtually every detail, from interior stitching and embroidered headrests to bespoke paint finishes and personalized monograms.
The vehicle also includes sophisticated all-wheel-drive technology and adaptive air suspension systems designed to deliver what Rolls-Royce famously calls a “magic carpet ride,” allowing passengers to glide smoothly over rough terrain with minimal vibration.
Globally, the Cullinan has become a preferred vehicle among royalty, billionaires, entertainers and sports stars because it combines luxury limousine comfort with SUV practicality. Its imposing design, illuminated grille and rear coach doors have made it one of the most recognizable high-end vehicles in the world.
Taxman speaks
Reports indicate that Among acknowledged ownership of the vehicle during a conference call involving Uganda Revenue Authority Commissioner General John Musinguzi Rujoki, though she allegedly described it as a “birthday gift.” She reportedly argued that the issue was being exaggerated by political opponents seeking to tarnish her image ahead of the next parliamentary leadership contest.
The controversy comes at a politically sensitive moment. Among and her husband, Moses Magogo, remain under sanctions imposed by the United States and the United Kingdom following the Karamoja iron sheets scandal. The sanctions announced in 2024 included travel restrictions and asset freezes.
Critics say the acquisition reflects growing insensitivity among political elites at a time when many Ugandans continue to face economic hardship, rising living costs and unemployment. Supporters, however, argue that public officials are entitled to spend legally acquired wealth as they choose.
As the debate intensifies, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan has evolved beyond a luxury vehicle into a potent symbol of the widening conversation about leadership, privilege and public perception in Uganda’s political landscape.
Overarching capacity
The 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan combines ultra-luxury engineering with advanced mechanical performance, making it one of the most technically sophisticated SUVs in the world. At the heart of the Cullinan Series II is a massive 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine that produces 563 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, while the performance-focused Black Badge version delivers 592 horsepower and even higher torque output.
The SUV uses a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission linked to GPS technology that can anticipate upcoming corners and pre-select gears for smoother driving. Permanent all-wheel drive ensures maximum traction and stability across different terrains.
One of the Cullinan’s standout features is the famous “Magic Carpet Ride” suspension system. Using air suspension and a forward-facing stereo camera, the vehicle scans the road ahead and automatically adjusts dampers to absorb bumps and imperfections before the car reaches them, creating an exceptionally smooth ride.
The Series II also features rear-wheel steering for improved agility in tight spaces and greater stability at high speeds, while active anti-roll bars reduce body lean during cornering. Built on Rolls-Royce’s rigid all-aluminum “Architecture of Luxury” platform, the Cullinan also includes an off-road driving mode that raises ground clearance by 40 millimetres for rough terrain capability.
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