Transport sector leaders have moved to formalise and scale up Uganda’s largely fragmented industry through the launch of the Alliance for Transporters Union, a new umbrella body bringing together boda boda riders, taxi operators, bus companies and truck drivers.
The leaders are now betting on their vast network to drive commercial expansion and unlock economic value, building on the success of the Boda Boda Union model, which has demonstrated that organising transport workers into a structured, technology-enabled ecosystem can deliver real impact at scale.
This progress has been accelerated by strong, high-impact partnerships with leading institutions, including NSSF, MTN, Housing Finance Bank, Spiro and Next Media.
The alliance, unveiled at Hotel Africana on Tuesday, brings together boda boda riders, taxi operators, bus companies and truck drivers into a single structure that leaders say will serve both as an economic platform and a ready market for its growing range of products and services.
“Our alliance is very beneficial. We want every Ugandan's home, and in their dustbins to have Union products. Meaning we’re ready to welcome endorsements that will create lasting impact,” said Mr Frank Mawejje, the chairman of the Union.
The strategy signals a shift from merely organising transport operators to leveraging their numbers for commercial influence, with officials positioning the alliance as a large-scale distribution and consumption ecosystem.
Mr Fred Ssenoga, Union's business product advisor, described the platform as a transformative economic vehicle built on scale and coordination.
“Union Transport Alliance is now the biggest, most organised transport economic vehicle in the country,” he said.
“We are launching a new, powerful economic vehicle to support and improve the livelihoods of our members.”
He added that the alliance intends to convert its numerical strength into economic impact. “We going to use our numbers and discipline to contribute to the economic growth of the country.”
Mr Ssenoga also projected rapid growth, noting that the model is unprecedented in the region. “Union Transport Alliance is the first commercial transport alliance in sub-Saharan Africa. In the next five years, no platform will be bigger than Union.”
The alliance is also targeting job creation through partnerships across sectors.
“We're going to create more jobs through strategic partnerships. We aim to go as far as the grassroots to create lasting impact through this alliance,” he said.
Sector shift
Leaders within the transport industry said the formation of the alliance marks a departure from years of fragmentation and rivalry among operators.
Mr Rashid Ssekindi, chairperson of the Uganda Taxi Operators Federation (UTOF), said the initiative redefines how transport players operate and engage.
“For years, the sector has been defined by competition, fragmentation, and at times conflict. Different groups pursued influence within their respective spaces, often working in parallel rather than in partnership. Today marks a deliberate turning point,” he said.
“Beyond economics, the Union Transport Alliance introduces a shift in identity, from independent operators to organized stakeholders, from informal coordination to structured representation.”
He added that the alliance provides a unified voice capable of shaping policy and partnerships within the sector.
Backing from subsectors
Leaders from bus and trucking segments welcomed the alliance, citing opportunities for improved efficiency and access to support systems.
“Today we are not just witnessing a launch; we are witnessing the consolidation of a vision that brings together all transport operators into one strong and coordinated force,” said Mr Umar Kakaire, chairperson of the Bus Union.
“For the bus sector, this alliance represents an opportunity to improve organization, strengthen service delivery, and build systems that support both operators and passengers.”
He also hinted at upcoming developments within the sector. “We shall use this alliance to see that we also grow as the bus sector and soon we shall be unveiling something new that will contribute to the improvement of carbon emissions on Ugandan roads.”
Mr Asadu Musisi Ssentongo, chairperson of the Trucks Union, said the alliance offers long-awaited integration into a broader support framework.
“Today represents more than a launch for us in the trucking sector; it is a moment of alignment with a larger vision that brings all transport operators together under one coordinated framework,” he said.
“For a long time, the trucking community has operated with resilience, carrying the weight of trade, logistics and movement of goods across the country and beyond. However, operating in isolation has limited our ability to fully access opportunities, partnerships and structured support.”
“I thank my brothers, the Union bodaboda, taxi and bus leaders for this opportunity to join this alliance,” he added.
Organisers say the alliance builds on existing union structures but introduces a coordinated model aimed at unlocking financing, partnerships and market access at scale.
With millions of operators now under one umbrella, the Union Transport Alliance is positioning itself not only as a representative body but also as a commercial force seeking to influence consumption patterns and drive economic participation across the country.
