In a bold step toward improving the welfare of motorcycle taxi riders, the Union Bodaboda association has launched a landmark housing project in Kikandwa, Mityana District, aimed at providing affordable homes for its registered members.
Dubbed “Union Village,” the project was unveiled on Sunday during a colourful ceremony attended by union leaders and hundreds of riders.
It seeks to address the chronic housing insecurity faced by bodaboda operators, many of whom spend their lives on the road with no permanent residence or financial assets.
The initiative will see the subdivision of a large plot of land acquired by the union, with each parcel allocated to a registered member. Riders will be allowed to construct homes incrementally, based on their financial strength, in a phased model designed to accommodate low and irregular incomes.
Speaking at the launch, National Chairperson Frank Mawejje described the project as “a turning point” in the union’s history and a reflection of what grassroots solidarity can achieve.
“For years, our members have worked tirelessly in harsh conditions, supporting families and powering the economy, yet many go home to unsafe or temporary shelters,” Mawejje said.
“Union Village is more than a housing project—it is a message that our riders deserve dignity, security, and a future.”
The project will be spearheaded by Ssenoga Fred, head of the housing initiative, who painted a sobering picture of the challenges riders face.
“It’s painful to witness colleagues die with nothing left for their families. We’re changing that story,” Ssenoga said.
“We want to give our people a permanent address, a community they can belong to, and an asset that speaks to their hard work.”
He noted that land surveying is already underway and allocation will follow a transparent process, restricted to officially registered members of the Union Bodaboda association.
The phased construction model is seen as a key innovation, allowing flexibility for members to build at their own pace.
The union also plans to support riders by sourcing affordable building materials and providing technical guidance to ensure quality and safety.
Union Village will not be just a residential space. The proposed layout includes shared facilities such as a community garden, open recreational areas, and space for small businesses.
According to Mawejje, this design aims to create a tight-knit community that fosters social cohesion and mutual support among members.
“Through this village, we’re not just building homes; we’re building a legacy,” he said.
Many riders at the launch expressed appreciation for the initiative, with some calling it the first real step towards economic justice for their profession.
For years, bodaboda riders have operated on the economic margins—critical to daily transport needs, yet often excluded from formal planning and development.
“This is a dream come true,” said Joseph Kayiwa, a rider from Busunju. “It shows we are finally being recognised not just as workers, but as citizens who deserve better.”
However, concerns linger about long-term sustainability. Some riders expressed fears about possible corruption or elite capture of the land.
In response, Mawejje assured the members that the association is putting in place strong governance mechanisms.
“There will be full transparency. We are creating an oversight committee, and all transactions will be auditable. This is your land—we are just your servants,” he said.
If successful, Union Village could become a national model for grassroots-driven housing schemes. Other bodaboda unions across Uganda have already expressed interest in replicating the concept.
The project comes at a time when rising land prices and urban sprawl have placed housing out of reach for many informal workers.
By turning collective membership into economic opportunity, the Union Bodaboda association is redefining what worker unions can deliver.
“This is our time to own something lasting,” said rider Sarah Namukasa. “This land means we belong—and now, we build.”
Union Village stands as a symbol of transformation—offering bodaboda riders not just shelter, but dignity, stability, and hope for a better future.
