Africa-Press – Uganda. The United Boda Boda Riders Cooperative Union has unveiled plans to deploy up to 100,000 electric motorcycles across Uganda this year, signaling a major push toward clean mobility and improved rider welfare.
The announcement came during a high-profile leadership retreat in Dubai over the weekend, which brought together thousands of riders and key players in Uganda’s fast-growing electric mobility sector.
The event also coincided with the Union’s first anniversary celebrations.
Speaking at the retreat, the Union’s business product advisor, Mr Fred Ssenoga, outlined the organisation’s programmes aimed at expanding clean transport and boosting member livelihoods.
“We are going through programmes that we are going to implement. We are going to push for 50,000–100,000 electric motorcycles this year, and we are going to increase our swapping stations to about 2,000,” he said.
Mr Ssenoga added that the Union is exploring partnerships to extend the electric revolution beyond boda bodas to taxis and buses, in collaboration with Kira Motors Corporation.
“We are committed to using this revolution to push for sustainability and to protect our climate, and that is why we are using electric motorcycles. We are also going to push for electric taxis and buses,” he said.
The Union is also considering initiatives such as housing projects for members, aimed at strengthening the organisation and attracting greater investment into the sector.
The two-day Dubai retreat, hosted by Spiro, part of the Equitane Group, ran from January 31 to February 1, 2026, and convened innovators, thought leaders, sector champions, and Spiro riders to discuss the future of climate-friendly transport solutions across Africa, with Uganda’s electric boda boda ecosystem at the centre stage.
Spiro board chairman Mr Gagan Gupta said the partnership with the Union reflects a long-term commitment to sustainable transport solutions that balance environmental responsibility with economic inclusion.
“Our partnership with the Union reflects a deep commitment to building solutions that balance environmental responsibility with economic inclusion in Uganda,” he said.
Spiro Chief Executive Officer Mr Kaushik Burman described the initiative as a mission beyond motorcycles, aimed at creating cleaner cities and dignified opportunities.
“Our work in Uganda is not just about electric vehicles, it is about creating opportunities, cleaner cities and a future where technology empowers communities,” he said.
So far, Spiro and the Union have deployed more than 16,000 electric motorcycles in Uganda, supported by over 300 battery swap stations and more than 1,000 service centres nationwide.
Mr Burman said expanding the swap network to more than 2,000 stations could generate 5,000–6,000 new jobs and offer riders opportunities to become dealers, service operators, and business partners within the ecosystem.
Engineering Kavuma from Kira Motors Corporation said the vision extends beyond motorcycles, with plans to introduce Union-branded electric taxis and buses as part of a wider mobility programme.
“Our bigger mission is to transform the EV ecosystem by introducing Union-branded electric taxis and buses,” he said, adding that the Union leadership is considering acquiring 240 electric buses in the first quarter of 2026.
Mr Gupta noted that Spiro’s partnership represents a major investment in people, with commitments already in place to support the rollout of 50,000 electric motorcycles.
