Frank Mawejje (left) addressing reporters in Kampala
By Our Reporter
The steady increase in global fuel prices is tightening its grip on economies and households alike, heightening the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions.
Addressing journalists in Kampala on April 24, Frank Mawejje, chairman of the Boda Boda Union Association Uganda, cautioned that escalating fuel costs are placing immense pressure on riders, putting thousands of livelihoods at risk across Uganda.
The situation is being worsened by ongoing geopolitical tensions. The Uganda National Oil Company notes that domestic fuel prices are increasingly tied to global market forces, including the continuing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. While fuel supplies in the country remain steady, officials say pump prices are rising due to these external influences, with close monitoring underway.
For millions of Ugandans, the boda boda sector is not just a transport system but a vital source of income and a pillar of the informal economy. With roughly 1.5 million riders nationwide, the industry remains essential—but highly exposed to fluctuations in fuel prices.
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Frank Mawejje (left) addressing reporters in Kampala
By Our Reporter
The steady increase in global fuel prices is tightening its grip on economies and households alike, heightening the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions.
Addressing journalists in Kampala on April 24, Frank Mawejje, chairman of the Boda Boda Union Association Uganda, cautioned that escalating fuel costs are placing immense pressure on riders, putting thousands of livelihoods at risk across Uganda.
The situation is being worsened by ongoing geopolitical tensions. The Uganda National Oil Company notes that domestic fuel prices are increasingly tied to global market forces, including the continuing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. While fuel supplies in the country remain steady, officials say pump prices are rising due to these external influences, with close monitoring underway.
For millions of Ugandans, the boda boda sector is not just a transport system but a vital source of income and a pillar of the informal economy. With roughly 1.5 million riders nationwide, the industry remains essential—but highly exposed to fluctuations in fuel prices.
Currently, petrol prices range between Shs 5,400 and Shs 7,000 per litre, significantly eating into riders’ daily earnings. With fares largely unchanged, many operators are struggling to balance operational costs with basic household needs.
Electric mobility is increasingly being seen as a viable solution. Firms such as Spiro Uganda, Zembo, Mocco and Gogo are driving this transition by rolling out electric motorcycles alongside battery-swapping networks.
“The numbers speak for themselves,” Mawejje said. “A rider typically spends between Shs 25,000 and Shs 40,000 daily on petrol, but electric bikes require a fixed battery swap fee of about Shs 8,400, which can cover up to 100 kilometres. This allows riders to earn at least Shs 30,000 per day.”
Beyond cutting costs, electric motorcycles offer riders more predictable expenses, shielding them from the uncertainty of global oil price swings and improving income stability.
The benefits extend beyond individual riders. The shift toward electric mobility is contributing to wider economic and environmental gains, including increased household savings, job creation particularly for young people and lower carbon emissions.
Companies like Spiro are expanding quickly to meet growing demand, with more than 300 battery-swapping stations already operational across the country. Plans are also underway to integrate solar-powered charging systems to mitigate challenges linked to electricity supply.
In addition, flexible financing options are being introduced to make electric motorcycles more affordable, enabling more riders to transition with minimal upfront costs.
