Uganda is accelerating its shift toward electric mobility with a major plan by Spiro Uganda to deploy 50,000 electric motorcycles across Kampala and the wider Greater Kampala region. Launched under the “Zuukuka – Make The Smart Move” campaign, the initiative aims to reduce air pollution, cut carbon emissions, and modernize urban transport.

Electric motorcycles are already operating in Kampala, with hundreds deployed by initiatives like Spiro and other local operators, paving the way for a larger rollout. With an estimated 200,000 motorcycles operating on Kampala’s roads, the planned deployment of 50,000 electric motorcycles represents one of the most significant clean transport interventions in Uganda’s urban sector.

Government Support for Electric Mobility

The initiative gained further momentum when Minister Raphael Magyezi visited Spiro’s Namanve assembly facility, where the electric motorcycles are produced and prepared for deployment across Greater Kampala.

During the tour, the Minister was briefed on plans to roll out 50,000 electric boda bodas alongside expanded charging and battery-swapping infrastructure across Greater Kampala. The engagement reflects institutional backing for cleaner transport solutions aligned with Uganda’s long-term environmental objectives.

Why Electric Boda Bodas Matter for Kampala

Motorcycles form the backbone of mobility in Kampala. They provide essential last-mile connectivity and employment for thousands of riders. However, petrol-powered bikes also contribute significantly to:

- Urban air pollution

- Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions

- Rising daily fuel costs

- Noise pollution in high-density areas

Electric motorcycles offer a direct solution. With zero tailpipe emissions, they immediately reduce roadside pollution. At scale, the 50,000-bike deployment is positioned as a major contributor toward Uganda’s 2030 emissions reduction goals within the transport sector.

Building the Infrastructure for Scale

A transition of this magnitude requires reliable infrastructure. The rollout includes expanding charging and battery-swapping stations across Greater Kampala to support full-time commercial riders.

By integrating infrastructure development with vehicle deployment, the initiative addresses one of the primary barriers to EV adoption, accessibility and operational reliability.

Economic and Industry Transformation

Beyond environmental benefits, Spiro’s electric motorcycles are helping drive a structural shift in the boda boda industry, reducing fuel dependency, lowering operating costs, and modernizing urban transport.

Electric motorcycles reduce fuel dependency and maintenance costs, potentially improving rider earnings over time. The initiative also contributes to local industrial activity through operations in Namanve, supporting skills development and ecosystem growth within Uganda’s clean energy sector.

The “Zuukuka” campaign, meaning “Wake up” in Luganda, frames the shift as both an environmental and economic opportunity: a call to modernize urban transport while improving public health outcomes.

A Defining Moment for Urban Transport in Uganda

As Kampala continues to expand, sustainable mobility solutions are becoming increasingly urgent. With 50,000 electric motorcycles planned for deployment, Uganda is targeting one of the highest-impact segments of its transport system.

If implemented at scale, the transition to electric boda bodas could significantly improve air quality, reduce carbon emissions, and reshape how people move across Kampala and Greater Kampala.

The smart move, increasingly, is electric.