The United Boda-Boda Riders Cooperative Union has launched a nationwide clean-air campaign, “Zuukuka – Make the Smart Move”, aimed at fast-tracking the transition to electric motorcycles and reducing air pollution in Kampala.
The campaign was unveiled on Thursday at the UMA Multipurpose Hall in Lugogo, Kampala, and aligns with Uganda’s plan to phase out petrol-powered boda bodas in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area by 2026.
Kampala’s rapid urban growth and the over 200,000 petrol-powered boda bodas operating daily have contributed significantly to poor air quality.
Each motorcycle emits about 5.7 kilograms of carbon dioxide per day, alongside fine particulate matter that poses serious health risks.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of State for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs Kyoofatogabye described the campaign as a timely intervention addressing a growing public health concern.
“The name of this campaign, ‘Zuukuka’, is powerful. It is a wake-up call to all of us. With over 200,000 petrol-powered boda bodas on our streets, each pumping approximately 5.7 kilograms of CO₂ into the air every day, we are creating a public health emergency,” he said.
He noted that the government, under President Yoweri Museveni, has set a national target to transition public transport to electric mobility by 2030, with Kampala expected to lead the way.
“Choosing an electric motorcycle is a smart move for the rider, for the passenger, and for the city. We want to build a smart city not just with fibre optics and CCTV cameras, but with clean air and healthy citizens,” he added.
Union General Manager Baker Kasawuli said the campaign marks the start of a coordinated movement to transform Kampala into a cleaner, more sustainable city.
“We call upon government institutions, private sector leaders, civil society, media partners, riders, and the general public to join this movement and make the smart move for Kampala’s future,” Kasawuli said.
He added that a full transition to electric motorcycles could reduce city pollution by 15 percent, cut respiratory-related deaths by nearly 20 percent, and eliminate more than 200,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
Spiro Deputy Country Director Bruce Mucunguzi said the company plans to deploy 50,000 electric boda bodas across the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, supported by 500 battery-swapping stations and over 1,000 service centres.
“Through the Smart Move launch, we are bringing 50,000 bikes to boda boda riders in Greater Kampala. We will also set up 500 battery-swapping points so riders can access a battery whenever they need it without losing time,” Mucunguzi said.
He added that the initiative ensures affordable spare parts, reliable servicing, and improved air quality. “Every additional electric motorcycle on the road is one step towards achieving the air quality we want for our children and grandchildren,” he said.
The campaign positions electric mobility not only as an environmental solution but also as an economic opportunity for riders and a public health intervention for the city.
