The United Boda-Boda Riders Cooperative Union, has officially unveiled the Union App, marking Uganda's first nationwide ride-hailing service for boda bodas.
The launch event commenced with a branded parade through Kampala featuring 100 boda bodas, symbolising the start of "Another Life."
This transformative initiative championed by United Boda-Boda Riders Cooperative Union, in collaboration with Jambo Riders Uganda Ltd and Spirit of Africa, aims to revolutionise the boda-boda sector, focusing not only on transportation but also on inspiring a new lifestyle.
During the launch at the Union Offices, Baker Kasawuli, the Union's general manager, emphasised that the Union App is designed to operate across the entire country, offering "another life" to all Ugandans.
As part of the launch, Boda Union also introduced the "Another Life" campaign, which includes a Boda-Boda Songwriting Competition with over Shs250 million in prizes.
This campaign will enable boda boda riders using the Union App to access opportunities beyond just transportation, promoting growth, creativity, and financial independence.
"We invite boda-boda riders to visit the Union offices across Uganda today and join the Union App to be part of this transformative journey. Passengers can also download the Union App today and experience a new way of life, filled with opportunities, safety, and convenience," he said.
The competition is open to Union boda-boda riders and passengers nationwide, providing a platform for them to showcase their musical and storytelling talents.
Union chairman Frank Mawejje noted that the initiative will culminate in the annual Boda-Boda Festival scheduled for July 2025.
He explained that participants in the competition must be registered users of the Union App and active boda boda riders.
Interested individuals can visit the Union website at www.bodaboda.festival.com to download the original track titled "Another Life," compose their own version in their preferred language, and submit their recordings through the site.
In addition to the Shs250 million prize pool, semi-finalist songs will have the opportunity for professional production by some of the country’s top producers.
There will also be sponsorship for regional winners, along with raffle draws offering brand-new motorcycles and accessories for participating voters.
Kasawuli highlighted that the Union App is more than just a ride-hailing service; it promises a transformation with features such as real-time ride tracking, verified drivers, secure cashless payments, transparent pricing, and a user-friendly interface.
"This launch marks a monumental shift in Uganda's transport sector. The Union App is not just an app. It's a gateway to 'Another Life' for our riders and passengers. We are committed to empowering our boda-boda community through safety, digital transformation, and financial growth." he said.
At the launch, the Union brand ambassadors engaged the public at key locations across Kampala, including Kira Road Police Junction, Wandegeya ,Kamwokya and more
They distributed flyers and educated riders and passengers on the transformative possibilities of the Union App.