Uganda’s public transport sector is set for a major shake-up after boda boda riders and taxi operators announced a groundbreaking alliance aimed at improving passenger safety, boosting welfare, and driving innovation across the industry.
The partnership brings together the United Boda Boda Riders Cooperative Union and the Uganda Taxi Operators Federation (UTOF). Leaders from both camps unveiled the deal at Hotel Africana in Kampala, describing it as a long-overdue step towards order and professionalism on Uganda’s roads.
“This marks the beginning of a new era for our members and the passengers we serve. By joining hands, we can amplify our voice, set higher standards, and make transport safer and more reliable,” said Frank Mawejje, Chairperson of the Boda Boda Union.
UTOF’s Chairperson, Rashid Ssekindi, called the collaboration a product of mutual trust: “What started as cautious dialogue has evolved into a structured partnership that will benefit operators and commuters alike.”
At the center of the reforms is the launch of “Union Let’s Go”, a mobile app designed to integrate taxis and boda bodas on one platform. Already active on more than 7,000 motorcycles, the app aims to reach 30,000 vehicles in the next three months, giving commuters access to reliable rides while ensuring operators are registered and accountable.
The alliance also unveiled initiatives to improve livelihoods within the sector. These include the deployment of electric motorcycles, cooperative financing with deposits as low as UGX 168,000, and affordable housing projects under “Union Villages.” Operators will also benefit from partnerships with institutions such as NSSF and Housing Finance Bank, giving them access to credit and savings schemes.
Leaders emphasized that transport workers often sit at the margins of the economy despite serving millions daily. The new programs, they argued, are designed to elevate the dignity and welfare of riders and drivers.
The partnership aligns with Uganda’s Ten-Fold Growth Strategy, a government roadmap to expand the economy by 2040. By formalizing and digitizing services, boda boda and taxi operators aim to contribute meaningfully to national development while tackling persistent challenges such as unsafe rides, disorganized stages, and poor regulation.
With the two biggest players in Uganda’s public transport sector finally on the same page, expectations are high. If successfully implemented, the alliance could redefine how millions of Ugandans experience daily travel, turning a once-fragmented sector into a more professional, safe, and forward-looking service.