Airtel Uganda has partnered with electric mobility company Spiro to introduce electric motorcycles into its last-mile distribution network, in a move aimed at reducing carbon emissions, lowering operating costs for franchise partners and improving the efficiency of product and service delivery across the country.
The initiative will enable interested Airtel franchise partners to acquire brand-new Spiro electric motorcycles through an interest-free financing arrangement facilitated by Airtel. The motorcycles will be paid for through monthly commission deductions over a period of 24 months.
The programme was officially launched with the flag-off of the first batch of 268 electric motorcycles, part of more than 1,000 units ordered by Airtel Uganda. The company said the rollout will be implemented in phases until all eligible franchise partners across the country are covered.
Speaking at the launch, Airtel Mobile Commerce Uganda Limited Managing Director Japhet Aritho said the partnership demonstrates the company’s commitment to sustainable business practices while strengthening its distribution network.
“As Airtel continues to grow, so does our responsibility to ensure that our products and services reach customers faster, more efficiently and in an environmentally friendly manner. Our franchise partners are the backbone of our distribution network, and today we are investing in them. By making electric motorcycles more accessible, we are helping our partners become more productive, reduce their operating costs and, together, protect our planet,” Aritho said.
Airtel franchise partners are responsible for distributing SIM cards, delivering Airtel Money float and ensuring customers across Uganda have access to the company’s products and services.
According to Airtel, the electric motorcycles will help partners reduce fuel and maintenance costs while benefiting from GPS-enabled tracking, after-sales support and access to SPIRO’s growing battery-swapping network.
Spiro Uganda Country Director Brenden Kachenje described the partnership as a significant step towards advancing electric mobility in Uganda, saying the company remains committed to supporting the country’s transition to cleaner transport solutions.
“This partnership reinforces Spiro’s commitment to championing a greener, cleaner environment while leading Uganda’s e-mobility agenda. We are committed to deploying 50,000 electric motorcycles across Uganda by December 2026,” Kachenje said.
The partnership forms part of Airtel Uganda’s broader sustainability strategy, which seeks to modernise its distribution network while reducing its environmental footprint.
The company says replacing fuel-powered motorcycles with electric alternatives is expected to lower operating expenses for franchise partners, improve delivery efficiency and contribute to reduced carbon emissions.
The initiative also underscores Airtel Uganda’s continued investment in the entrepreneurs who form the backbone of its nationwide distribution network and help connect millions of Ugandans to telecommunications and digital financial services.
