Bodaboda union, Spiro launch drive to distribute 2,000 e-bikes to riders

15 July 2025, 7:28 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

As part of efforts to boost development among Bodaboda riders in Uganda, the Bodaboda Union—the umbrella body for riders in the country—has partnered with Spiro, a company specialising in electric bikes, to distribute a total of 2,000 e-bikes to its members.

The initiative was launched today at the Spiro factory in Namanve, Kampala, where the first batch of 500 electric bikes was handed over to riders.

Speaking at the launch, Mawejje Frank, the national chairman of the Bodaboda Union, thanked Spiro for supporting the Union’s vision of empowering riders while promoting environmental conservation.

“I am delighted to be here as we launch this initiative to provide Bodabodas to our riders. This will help them save more money and invest in other ventures,” Mawejje said. “Before the Union’s involvement, we were spending heavily on loans because most partners were not supporting us—they only wanted to make huge profits. Riders could not save anything because they were paying so much. That’s why we used to say they give you a rabbit, and in return you give them a cow. Honestly, no Bodaboda rider can develop under such conditions.”

According to Mawejje, the Union plans to distribute a total of 2,000 electric bikes this week.

“These bikes are electric and perform even better than other bikes. We believe that by doing this, we are combating noise and air pollution while protecting the environment,” he added.

Under the new arrangement, riders will pay an initial deposit of UGX 100,000, followed by weekly payments of less than UGX 70,000 for two years—a plan Mawejje says is more affordable than most currently offered by other companies.

The Union hopes the initiative will not only ease the financial burden on riders but also contribute to efforts to reduce air and noise pollution in urban areas.