The Rise of Electric Boda Bodas in Uganda: A Transformative Shift in Urban Mobility

By Joshua Mirondo.

Uganda generally has a tropical climate with relatively stable rainfall. However, the effects of climate change have disrupted these patterns, leading to irregular seasons characterized by longer or shorter rains and more severe droughts, particularly in eastern and northeastern Uganda. The impacts of climate change are felt by all Ugandans.  In order to better address the threats faced by the country’s nearly 50 million people, policies and local actions need to be undertaken to confront the climate crisis. 

As I walk on Ugandan roads lately, I notice that thousands of electric “boda bodas” – motorcycle taxis - have been deployed on the roads. This has improved mobility, especially among urban centers. In Uganda, boda bodas are a common and vital mode of transportation, especially in cities, providing a quick and affordable way to navigate the city. Initially, all boda bodas were powered by petrol and had high amounts of emissions. This has changed recently, as electric motorbikes have started to replace traditional petrol-powered boda bodas. These electric boda bodas produce zero dangerous (carbon dioxide) emissions, which makes them an environmentally friendly option. They also have lower operating costs, since electricity is cheaper than petrol, and maintenance requirements are reduced due to fewer moving parts in electric engines.

Some of the electric boda bodas on the road

According to Anita Kambabazi, communications specialist at GOGO Electric, petrol-powered boda bodas typically consume 2.5 litres of fuel per 100 kilometers, emitting approximately 2.3 kilograms of carbon dioxide over the same distance. Even before they hit the road, petrol motorbikes are already contributing to climate change, with around 0.5 kilograms of carbon dioxide emitted during their manufacturing. “On the other hand, each electric boda boda saves an estimated 1.8 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually,” according to Kambabazi.

Kampala, Uganda’s largest city, has  dense traffic and people highly rely on motorbike transport to reach destinations faster. There is an estimated 500,000 boda bodas in the city. Activists suggest that if just 10 percent of these were electric, there would be fewer adverse effects on the environment.  The air would be cleaner and streets would be quieter, which would significantly improve the quality of life for Kampala’s residents.

For example, Taliiwo Isaac, a boda boda rider who made the switch to electric, says: “Bad emissions are eliminated, it doesn’t make noise. When it comes to business, it saves. I use less money as compared to fuel-powered. I use UGX 7,000 at a swap station and ride 100 kilometers. When I used petrol, I’d fuel with the same amount and only make UGX 20,000 5 dollars and 4 cents a day. Now, I make UGX 40,000–70,000.” (USD 10  to USD 18 )

Taliiwo Isaac at a stage waiting for clients

Most electric bikes have a battery range exceeding 100 kilometers per charge, which allows riders to operate for an entire workday without interruption. Moreover, access to locally manufactured spare parts reduces downtime and maintenance costs, a critical factor for riders who rely on their bikes for daily income. Electric boda bodas also boast strong loading capacity and lower purchase and operating costs, making them a smart investment.

Although government policy is not yet strict on eliminating petrol bikes, riders are embracing electric bikes. The rise of electric boda bodas is not only about cleaner cities but also creating a more sustainable and economically resilient Uganda.

Joshua Mirondo is a program associate with Transition Earth, based in Uganda.