The National Boda Boda Union has partnered with Honda to supply high-quality, fuel-powered motorcycles to riders across Uganda under an affordable financing model.
The agreement, unveiled in Kampala, marks a significant step towards formalizing and empowering one of Uganda’s most vital but often overlooked economic sectors.
“We’ve been doing electric bikes, but our members also wanted fuel motorcycles,” said Frank Mawejje, National Boda Boda Union Chairman. “We wanted to onboard a supplier with the best quality of fuel motorcycle and that’s why we partnered with Honda.”
The partnership kicks off with 200 motorcycles to be distributed across 20 boda boda circles in regions including Karamoja, Kisoro, Arua, and Greater Kampala.
The rollout forms part of the union’s broader National Boda Boda Stage Development Model, a scheme that aims to make motorcycle ownership more equitable by dismantling exploitative loan systems that have long burdened riders.
Under the new model, riders will acquire motorcycles at Shs7 million, compared to the usual Shs10-12 million charged through traditional financing. The union’s plan requires an initial deposit of Shs250,000, followed by weekly payments of Shs70,000 over two years, terms Mawejje described as realistic and sustainable.
“We want to abolish the system where someone gives you a rabbit, and you pay back a bull,” he said. “Our model ensures that any rider can afford a motorcycle without being trapped in debt.”
The boda boda sector, often described as the heartbeat of Uganda’s urban mobility, employs an estimated two million people, making it the second-largest employer after agriculture. However, riders have long struggled with high interest rates, unregulated loan schemes, and lack of institutional support.
Maria Namusoke Kamoga, Managing Director of Honda, described the collaboration as an important moment for both the transport and manufacturing sectors. “This partnership is a game-changer,” Kamoga said. “It provides riders with access to affordable, high-quality motorcycles that meet safety and durability standards.”
“The boda boda industry is the second-largest employer after agriculture and in urban areas, we are the first,” Mawejje said. “We are young, energetic, and capable of driving Uganda’s economy forward.”