Hassan Ssenyonga | July 17, 2025
In a bold move to modernize Uganda’s urban mobility and empower the digital workforce, the United Boda Boda Riders Union (UNION) has flagged off a new fleet of 2,000 electric motorcycles aimed at transforming the transport sector through clean energy and mobile technology.
Launched this week at Namanve Industrial Area, the rollout marks the first wave of a broader campaign to integrate smart transport systems into Uganda’s growing gig economy. With Kampala’s traffic congestion and fuel dependency reaching unsustainable levels, these electric “e-Bodas” are more than just eco-friendly, they are digital assets powered by innovation.
“Our riders aren’t just driving bikes; they’re driving the future,”. “We’re blending mobility with digital empowerment to create a smarter urban economy.”
Said Daniel Ssebunya, one of the UNION project coordinators
| | Eachreal-time GPS, remote diagnostics, and mobile app control, giving riders access to performance analytics, battery health updates, and security features—all managed through UNION’s digital platform. According to the initiative’s architects, the goal is to turn riders into data-driven entrepreneurs with tools to track income, optimize routes, and even participate in a digital savings scheme. |
The program’s payment model is structured to support low-income earners. Riders commit to an affordable plan, starting with a UGX 100,000 deposit and weekly installments of UGX 66,000 for two years , eliminating the burden of heavy upfront costs common in traditional vehicle ownership.
Alongside the e-Bodas, UNION has partnered with private developers to install over 700 battery swap and charging stations across Uganda, creating a new infrastructure ecosystem tailored for electric mobility.
But the benefits go beyond economics. The shift to electric transport is projected to slash urban air pollution, cut down on operating costs, and reduce Uganda’s oil import bill over time. More importantly, it introduces a system where boda riders, once overlooked in digital policy circles, now hold a front-row seat in Uganda’s tech revolution.