Yesterday, the United Boda Boda Riders Cooperative Union launched multiple innovative products in a bid to transform the lives of boda riders all-over Uganda in an event that was attended by over 400 boda riders at the Garden city roof-top.
It’s a known fact that the boda industry employs over 1.2 million riders and has about 150,000 registered stages nationwide and the launch of these life changing products comes at a time when they are most needed as many young people have also taken on the mantle and joined the industry.
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.
The Union also has a Smart-life program which seeks to support riders save Ugx1000 from their weekly savings with a top-up from the Union itself in a bid to create a saving culture and also boost riders income in the long run. “The Smart-life program will enable boda boda riders to save 1k from their weekly subscription and the Union to top up another 1k for them weekly a total of 2k savings weekly,” said Mawejje Frank, Chairman boda Union.
Partners like MTN, NBS (Next Media), Honda, Simba, Bleep, TVS, and Spiro all joined hands not only to ease the lives of boda riders, but to also ensure that they secure their future through the amazing products that Union launched.
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.
