Africa-Press – Uganda. Ride-hailing service provider Faras Uganda has introduced new features to its mobile app aimed at improving safety, convenience, and digital payments for users.
The updated app now includes real-time driver tracking, an in-app emergency support system, and a digital wallet.
According to the company, these additions are part of a broader effort to improve the user experience and address challenges in Uganda’s growing urban transport sector.
Faras Uganda General Manager, Mudhafar Hamad Kasaija, said the updates reflect the company’s commitment to building a safer and more efficient transport service.
“We’re not just moving people from one place to another. We’re trying to create a reliable transport system that works for the average Ugandan,” he said during an interview.
The upgraded dispatch system also uses new matching algorithms designed to reduce waiting times for passengers by connecting them with the nearest available drivers more efficiently.
Uganda’s urban transport sector continues to face issues such as traffic congestion, informal operations, and safety concerns.
Faras says its new features are designed to address these gaps by offering users more transparency and better control over their ride experience.
The real-time tracking feature allows users to monitor their journey and share trip details with trusted contacts—something many passengers in Uganda have long called for.
The emergency support system, built into the app, enables users to quickly contact support in case of incidents during a trip.
Katende Karim, the company’s Marketing Manager, said the digital wallet option not only simplifies payments but also supports Uganda’s push toward a cashless economy.
“It reduces the need for physical cash, which can be a security risk, and makes transactions smoother for users who already rely heavily on mobile money,” he explained.
Beyond improving individual rides, Faras believes that the data generated from its platform can help urban planners identify traffic patterns, high-demand areas, and congestion zones.
This kind of information could prove useful for future infrastructure and transport planning in cities.
Despite the updates, the company acknowledges ongoing challenges. These include limited internet access in some areas, the need for continuous user education, and keeping up with evolving transport regulations.
Driver welfare and retention also remain a priority.
Still, Faras officials say the company is confident in its long-term role in Uganda’s urban mobility space.
“This isn’t just about launching new features,” said Kasaija. “It’s about setting a foundation for smarter, safer, and more efficient transport.”
The app updates come at a time when competition in Uganda’s ride-hailing market is growing, with both local and international players looking to capture a share of the country’s increasingly tech-savvy commuter base.
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