The United Boda Boda Riders Cooperative Union launched an array of innovative products designed to transform the lives of Uganda’s boda boda riders. The event, attended by over 400 enthusiastic riders, marked a significant milestone in the formalization and empowerment of one of Uganda’s most vital yet underserved sectors.
With partnerships from industry leaders like MTN, NBS (Next Media), Honda, Simba, Bleep, and Spiro, the Union App is redefining the boda boda ecosystem by prioritizing rider welfare, financial independence, and digital inclusion.
The boda boda industry, Uganda’s second-largest employer after agriculture, supports approximately 1.2 million riders and 150,000 registered stages nationwide. Despite its critical role in urban mobility, the sector has long grappled with challenges such as exploitative loan schemes, high accident rates, and limited access to financial services.
The Union App, launched under the theme “Union Lets Go,” aims to address these issues through a suite of tailored products that empower riders to earn more, own assets, and secure their financial future.
The Union Driver App
At the heart of the launch is the Union Driver App, Uganda’s first nationwide ride-hailing platform exclusively for boda boda operators. Unlike other ride-hailing platforms, the Union App offers riders a low commission rate of just 7%, ensuring they retain a larger share of their earnings.
This rider-centric approach contrasts with competitors like SafeBoda, which charges a 15% commission, and is designed to maximize income for riders who often operate on tight margins.
To enhance safety—a critical concern given that 37% of Uganda’s 2023 road accidents involved boda bodas—the Union App provides free helmets and reflectors to riders who complete 10 rides. Additionally, qualified riders receive insurance cover, offering protection against the financial risks of accidents, a common vulnerability in the industry.
The app also integrates with the NSSF Smart Life Initiative, enabling riders to contribute to a savings scheme for long-term financial security. For just Shs6,000 per week, Shs1,000 is automatically saved into riders’ NSSF accounts, fostering a culture of financial planning.
Union Boda Loans
The Union Boda Loans program tackles one of the sector’s most pressing issues: exploitative motorcycle loan schemes. Many riders have lost personal assets, including land, due to unsustainable loan terms from private companies. The Union’s loan package requires a modest Shs250,000 down payment and offers a one-week grace period after receiving the bike.
The total loan amount of Shs7,250,000 can be repaid at Shs24,500 per day over 12 months for men and 18 months for women, providing flexible terms tailored to riders’ needs. By partnering with brands like Honda and Simba, the Union ensures access to reliable motorcycles, enabling riders to own their bikes and build financial stability.
Union Smartphone
Recognizing the importance of digital access, the Union introduced the Union Smartphone program, making technology affordable for riders. For a Shs45,000 down payment, riders receive a smartphone preloaded with the Union Let’s Go app, with payments of just Shs900 per day for eight months.
The package includes 2GB of monthly data for the same period, in partnership with MTN, ensuring riders stay connected and can leverage the app’s features. This initiative not only enhances operational efficiency but also empowers riders to participate in Uganda’s growing digital economy.
Union Village Land Loans
The Union Village Land Loans program is a groundbreaking step toward asset ownership. Riders can choose plots in Busunju, Hoima Road, or Kalagi, with sizes of 50x25ft or 50x50ft, requiring only a Shs250,000 down payment.
This initiative addresses the systemic issue of riders losing land to predatory loan schemes, offering them a chance to secure property and build generational wealth. By providing affordable land ownership opportunities, the Union is helping riders achieve long-term financial security.
Union Mineral Water
To further diversify riders’ income streams, the Union launched Union Mineral Water, available at Shs4,500 for a carton of 12 bottles or Shs9,000 for 24 bottles. This product allows riders to supplement their earnings by selling water, a practical addition to their daily hustle in Kampala’s bustling streets.
Union Football and Boxing Clubs
The launch also introduced the Football and Boxing Clubs, aimed at nurturing riders’ talents and fostering community. These initiatives, supported by the Union App, provide a platform for riders to showcase their skills in sports, with a singing competition planned for the annual Boda-Boda Festival in July 2025.
Participants must be registered app users, reinforcing the Union’s commitment to integrating digital tools with community-building efforts.
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