Bodaboda, taxi operators form alliance to boost transport sector

KAMPALA - The United Boda Boda Riders Cooperative Union has entered into a landmark partnership with the Uganda Taxi Operators’ Federation (UTOF) aimed at streamlining public transport operations and driving economic empowerment initiatives for their members across the country.

The partnership was officially launched today (on Tuesday, September 09)  at Hotel Africana, following months of behind-the-scenes negotiations between the leadership of the two associations.

The goal is to work together in organising their industries more effectively and to deliver meaningful economic benefits to their members.

“Although we were the first to organise ourselves into a national association, we have come to admire how swiftly the boda boda union is advancing economically,” said Rashid Ssekindi, Chairperson of UTOF, during the launch.

 Ssekindi hailed the boda boda union for what he termed as rapid achievements, highlighting the distribution of over 6,000 brand-new motorcycles to members through affordable loan schemes—terms that are far more favourable than those offered by traditional lenders, which have often burdened riders with unmanageable debt.

 He listed other milestones to include: development of a mobile app for member services and the acquisition of land to enable riders to build permanent homes.

The two organisations also announced plans to launch joint income-generating ventures on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Kololo Independence Grounds. President Yoweri Museveni is expected at the events as the Chief Guest.  

Among the products to be showcased are:  the newly developed transport tracking app, Boda bodas produced through local manufacturing partnerships, Phones, mineral water, and pumpkin porridge created specifically for their members' consumption and economic benefit.

These ventures are part of a broader strategy to create a sustainable ecosystem where transport workers not only earn from their primary work but also benefit from products and services tailored for them.

“As taxi operators, we are still struggling to secure financing to purchase new taxis for our members,” Ssekindi admitted.

“Most of our drivers still work for car owners, who take the lion’s share of the income, leaving drivers with barely enough to survive.”

Security and innovation at the heart of the deal

Beyond economic empowerment, the partnership will also focus on enhancing security within the transport sector. According to Frank Mawejje, Chairperson of the United Boda Boda Riders Cooperative Union, both groups will coordinate efforts to help identify and weed out criminals who operate under the guise of being transport workers.

Mawejje emphasised the role of the union’s new tracking app, which monitors both riders and passengers to improve safety and accountability on the road.

“We thank our elder brothers in the taxi community for agreeing to work with us. They set the foundation for industry organisation, and we are proud to build on it,” Mawejje said.

He added that the two associations would work hand-in-hand not only to empower their members but also to support government efforts in reducing road accidents and improving public safety. He cited high accident rates and poor road behaviour as a burden on the healthcare system due to the cost of treating victims.

“Our members are the majority in Uganda’s informal economy. With the right tools and partnerships, they can become a force for national development,” said Mawejje.