By Luzinda Peter
Having launched a Nationwide ride hailing App – Union lets go, Union villages and deployed over 7,000 Union e-bikes with an aim of over
30,000 in the next three months and 150,000 by July 2026, today is a remarkable day in the History of Uganda’s Transport ecosystem as we join hands to make a difference for the better in our country. In Uganda’s transport ecosystem, Taxis and Boda-Bodas are often seen as just transporters but, we believe we are much more than that. We are community gatekeepers, guardians of public spaces, and change-makers in our own right. It is in this spirit that we, the Uganda Taxi Operators Federation and the Boda-Boda Union usher in a new dawn for our industry with the launch of the Boda-Boda Union and UTOF partnership.
Inspired by the remarkable impact the United Boda-Boda Riders Cooperative Union (Union) has created since its inception in January
2025, we believe the time is now for the Taxi Union to stand alongside the Union. This partnership is more than a handshake, it is a bold step to take our sector to a new level- Tewakyali ntalo, Tusimbudde! And I am happy to announce that going forward, we shall operate under the umbrella of the Union. ~ Rashid Ssekindi, the Chairman, Uganda Taxi Operators Federation.
With expertise in the Transport industry, Mr. Fred Ssenoga – Union Business Products advisor says that this partnership will contribute to Uganda’s Ten-Fold Growth Strategy a National economic plan to expand the country’s economy by ten times, from nearly US$50 billion in 2023 to US$500 billion by 2040. The strategy aims to accelerate industrialization, create more jobs, increase exports, and transform Uganda into an upper-middle income economy with a significantly higher income per capita. If we also incorporate our passengers – sisters and brothers who operate in our local markets (Obutale) we will have created a mini Ugandan Amazon- numbers do not lie.
The Union will contribute to this through our key principles namely: Numbers, systems and discipline through our products such as the Union Lets Go riders app (for the rider and passenger), Union Villages, Union home care products (Union jelly,Union soap,Union lotions),Union Scholastic Materials. Union water, Union e-bikes,Union spare parts (Brakes, tires), Union mobile phones, Union saloon cars and Union Taxi Vans, Union e-buses to name a few.
How does this partnership benefit UTOF and the Union? Frank Mawejje – Chairperson Union says:
Strength in Numbers: Unity is power. By rallying behind a shared vision with the Union, we can confidently present a united voice before government stakeholders and strategic partners.
Self-employment: “Abakozi bajja kufuuka bananyini”-employed riders and drivers will one day become owners.
Driving Into the Future: As the Union is championing the electric bike revolution in Uganda, the Taxi Union will inevitably transition into this greener future, cutting fuel costs, reducing harmful emissions, and saving the country billions in fuel imports and riders and drivers make more money.
Economic Empowerment is the Goal: As one of Uganda’s largest sources of informal employment, empowering the transport sector is, therefore, not just an industry matter but a national priority.
Health and safety: The Union will prioritise health and safety of riders and drivers on the roads with sensitisation on how to stay safe on the road and avoidance of Reproductive Health risks.
Smartlife: With our partners NSSF, we will encourage riders and drivers to save for the future by remitting moneys monthly to their accounts.
The Union Festival and Expo-2025 – UFE.
The Union has also organized the first ever Union Festival and Expo-2025 on the September 14th, 2025 at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds and H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni will be chief Guest. The event will bring together over 50,000 revelers to witness the union products and celebrate the role of the boda/taxi industry to ugandas economy.