The Ugandan National Boda Boda Riders’ Association (UNION) has launched the Zuukuka – Make the Smart Choice initiative, promoting a shift from fuel-powered motorcycles to electric ones.
The program is part of a collaboration with Spiro, a company supplying electric motorcycles in Uganda.
The initiative seeks to reduce harmful emissions that contribute to respiratory and other pollution-related diseases.
“Our war is to fight disease. Many people suffer from coughs and other illnesses due to polluted air, and fuel-powered bikes are part of the problem,” said Mawejje, the national chairperson of UNION.
Bruce Mucunguzi, Spiro’s representative, said the electric motorcycles are designed to improve riders’ lives.
“The target is to have 50,000 electric bikes on the road,” he said. The program will involve replacing old fuel-powered bikes, which will be destroyed, with the new electric models.
The State Minister for Kampala, Kabuye Kyofatogabye, praised the initiative, noting its potential to ease the burden on KCCA and the government in efforts to protect the environment and enhance urban transport.
“It is a heavy burden lifted, and the Zuukuka campaign will be impactful to the industry. This will be key in keeping you riders alive,” said Kyofatogabye.
Electric motorcycles have already been successfully adopted in countries such as Rwanda and Nigeria, and Uganda hopes to follow suit, improving public health and environmental sustainability while modernizing urban transport.
