Boda Boda Leadership Calls for a shift to electric bikes as a cheaper, sustainable solution as burden of rising fuel costs bites  

The Boda Boda Leadership in Uganda has urged government to reduce electricity and meter installation costs to support adoption of electric bikes.

During the Union Transport Alliance press conference in Kansanga, Mr Frank Mawejje, Chairman of the Boda Boda Union Association of Uganda, highlighted the burden of rising fuel costs and called for a shift to electric bikes as a cheaper, sustainable solution.

Mawejje said the sector is under growing pressure due to escalating fuel costs.

“The fuel hike means boda boda riders have to spend more on fuel but earn less. It means our work is crippled because it leads to increased transport fares, which many passengers are unwilling to accept,” Mawejje said.

“The fuel hike also reduces profit margins for riders, while the number of passengers gradually declines due to higher fares,” he added.

He noted that fuel prices now range from about Shs5,400 per litre within the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area to as high as Shs7,000 in upcountry areas, significantly increasing the cost of doing business for riders.

Mawejje said this environment makes a strong case for electric mobility. “This is where electric mobility steps in, offering a compelling alternative that shields riders from the volatility of the global oil market.

The numbers speak for themselves. While a rider might spend between Shs25,000 and Shs40,000 daily on petrol, Spiro Uganda offers a fixed battery-swapping fee of just Shs8,400. This single swap provides enough power to cover up to 100 kilometres and guarantees a minimum earning of Shs30,000 for riders who make the switch,” he said.

He revealed that the boda boda union has signed a memorandum of understanding with Spiro Uganda to facilitate access to electric bikes through a credit scheme.

Under the arrangement, up to 100,000 electric bikes are expected to be rolled out by December. “A rider is required to pay only Shs120,000 as the initial instalment to acquire the electric bike on loan, then continue paying in instalments until completion. I urge boda boda riders to take up this opportunity,” Mawejje said.

He added that the company has already established about 310 battery charging and swapping stations across the country, with plans to expand to more than 2,500. Additionally, over 1,500 service stations are projected.

“Each swap station employs at least three people, while each service station employs four. There is a ripple effect in terms of employment for Ugandans as these facilities expand,” he said.

However, Mawejje called on the government to reduce electricity tariffs for charging stations to further support the transition to electric mobility.

As global fuel prices continue their relentless climb, impacting everything from household budgets to national economies, the urgency for cleaner, more stable energy alternatives has never been clearer. In the heart of this transformation lies electric mobility, offering not just a technological upgrade, but a vital lifeline to thousands.

For many Ugandans, the boda boda industry is more than just a mode of transport but a source of livelihood, a symbol of entrepreneurial spirit, and the engine of our informal economy. With an estimated 1.5 million riders crisscrossing our urban and rural landscapes, this sector is indispensable. Yet, it’s also incredibly vulnerable. The fluctuating price of petrol, currently ranging from UGX 5,400 to UGX 7,000 per litre, is squeezing daily earnings, forcing many riders into an impossible choice: fuel their bikes or feed their families. Fare prices remain stagnant, while the cost of doing business skyrockets.

This is where electric mobility steps in, offering a compelling alternative that shields riders from the volatility of the global oil market. At the forefront of this change is Spiro Uganda, Mocco, Gogo and Zembo, e-mobility solutions providers that are not just selling electric motorbikes but delivering economic relief and opportunity.

Imagine the impact: a predictable, significantly lower operational cost that translates directly into increased take-home income! This is not just about saving money but reclaiming financial stability for the riders.

The ripple effects of this transition extend far beyond individual savings. Electric mobility is proving to be a powerful catalyst for broader economic growth in Uganda, with increased household income savings, youth employment and improved public health and environment, by drastically reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

Spiro’s commitment to Uganda is evident in its proactive approach to scaling operations. With an anticipated surge in demand, the company boasts robust production capacity and is rapidly expanding its battery-swapping network, which currently stands at an impressive 309 stations across the country. To ensure uninterrupted service, even amidst challenges with the national grid, Spiro is innovatively incorporating solar power into its charging systems.

As Uganda navigates the turbulent waters of global economic shifts, the embrace of electric mobility, championed by innovators like Spiro, offers more than just a cleaner ride. It provides a vital economic shield, rewriting the survival math for boda boda riders and steering our nation toward a more stable, sustainable, and prosperous future.

The shift to electric mobility is now a practical, transformative solution reshaping livelihoods today, replacing uncertainty with stability, cutting costs, protecting incomes, and restoring dignity to the daily work for boda boda riders. Driven by pioneers like Spiro, Zembo, Mocco and Gogo, this transition marks the rise of a smarter, fairer, and more sustainable economy. If embraced with commitment and vision, electric mobility will secure Uganda’s Future.