This archive report was first published on 8 May 2020.
On May 8, 2020, Uganda announced plans to digitize all bodabodas in its capital city, Kampala, following the coronavirus pandemic. This move aims to have all motorcycles operate under digital companies like Safe Boda, Uber, and Bolt.
The implementation of this plan is expected to begin within the first three weeks after the current lockdown is lifted, according to Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago. He emphasized that boda-bodas will only be allowed to operate up to 7pm for 21 days until all of them are registered.
The proposals remain in the hands of the Cabinet, which will make a final decision on the matter.
Uganda already has a presence in the digital taxis market, with its transport startup, Safeboda, having raised an undisclosed amount in Series B funding round in 2019 to deepen its platform and expand to new markets. In 2018, it raised S$1.1 million funding.
SafeBoda connects passengers with motorcycles while also offering additional financial services. If the Cabinet approves the new proposals, this could make Safeboda the most powerful transport company in Uganda.
Elsewhere, Nigeria banned all commercial bikes and tricycles from the highways of its most populous city, Lagos, on February 1, 2020. According to a TechSci Research report, the two-wheeler market in Africa is forecast to cross $9 billion by 2021. South Africa, Nigeria, and Tanzania are the largest two-wheeler markets in Africa, followed by Kenya, Algeria, Uganda, Egypt, Morocco, Angola, and Ethiopia.
Uber is already offering a two-wheel transit option in East Africa, as well as Bolt (previously Taxify) taxi services in Kenya.
