The Union officially launched its nationwide clean air campaign, “Zuukuka Make the Smart Move,” campaign, a bold wake-up call to the dangers of air pollution and a national call to action inviting citizens, policymakers, institutions, and private sector players to collectively confront the growing threat of poor air quality, and adopt to environmentally responsible choices.
The “Zuukuka Make the Smart Move” campaign supports Uganda’s 2030 e-mobility vision and KCCA’s plan to phase out Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) boda bodas by 2026.
Transitioning to electric motorcycles could reduce city pollution by 15%, cut respiratory-related deaths by up to 18%, and lower CO2 emissions by more than 148,000 tonnes by 2030.
In support of this campaign, Bruce Mucunguzi, Deputy Country Director Spiro Uganda, said Spiro has committed to deploying 50,000 electric boda bodas across Greater Kampala by June 2026, supported by over 500 battery swap stations, adequate batteries and service infrastructure.
He noted that If successful, this rollout could reduce up to 200,000 metric tonnes of CO2, significantly surpassing Uganda’s 2030 emissions targets within a short timeframe.
The Minister of State for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Kyofa Kabuye, said, many people are yet to realize the damage caused by pollution from petrol-powered motorcycles associated with doing business in the city.
He noted that with over 200,000 petrol-powered boda bodas on the streets, each pumping approximately 5.7 kilograms of CO2 into the air every single day, “We are choking our own city and creating a public health emergency.”
He noted that Kampala wants to phase out the polluting motorcycles by 2030.
“We want to build a Smart City not just with fiber optics and CCTV cameras but with clean air, healthy citizens, and sustainable transport. A truly smart city prioritizes the health and well-being of its people.”
Baker Kasawuli, General Manager, Uganda Boda-Boda Riders Cooperative Union, said “The launch of this campaign marks the beginning of a coordinated movement to transform Kampala into a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable city. Let’s all put heart into the initiative and take personal responsibility to confront the dangers of poor air quality that threaten our health and lives.”