Electric motorbikes are increasingly being promoted as a practical alternative for boda boda riders as fuel prices continue to rise across Uganda.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, Frank Mawejje, Chairperson of the Boda Boda Union Association of Uganda, said the sector—an essential pillar of the country’s informal economy—is under mounting pressure due to escalating fuel costs.
He noted that for many Ugandans, the boda boda industry is not only a mode of transport but also a key source of livelihood, supporting an estimated 1.5 million riders nationwide. However, the sector remains highly vulnerable to fluctuations in fuel prices, which currently range between Shs5,400 and Shs7,000 per litre.
“The fuel hike means the boda boda riders will have to use more money for fuel but earn less. It means our work is crippled due to the fuel hike as it leads to increase in transport fares and many passengers will not accept this,” Mawejje said.
“The fuel hike also means the profit margin for boda boda riders reduces but also the number of passengers will gradually reduce due to increased transport fares,” he added.
According to Mawejje, the rising fuel costs have significantly increased the cost of doing business, placing additional strain on riders’ daily earnings.
He said electric mobility offers a viable alternative by reducing reliance on petrol and shielding riders from global oil price volatility.
“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 in that while a rider might spend from Shs25,000 to 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.
Mawejje revealed that the boda boda union has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Spiro Uganda to supply electric bikes to riders on a credit basis. Under the arrangement, up to 100,000 electric bikes are expected to be rolled out by December.
