Boda boda riders have unveiled new strategies aimed at expanding the industry and improving livelihoods, including plans to produce and distribute their own consumer goods.
The proposals were announced during the first annual general assembly of the United Boda Boda Riders Cooperative Union, held at Pope Paul Memorial Hotel in Lubaga.
The union’s chairperson, Francis Mawejje, said the organisation had made significant progress in less than two years, attracting members from across the country.
He said the union intends to leverage its large membership to venture into production through partnerships with private companies.
Mawejje said planned products include drinking water, cooking oil, matchboxes, petroleum jerrycans and housing units.
He said the sector is estimated to have more than one million riders, a figure he believes will support the success of the new initiatives.
Mawejje urged riders to join the union to benefit from its programmes, including a school fees loan scheme.
He said the scheme would allow members to access loans to support education for themselves and their children, easing financial pressure on households.
However, the union expressed concern over the government’s decision to increase the cost of new motorcycles in the 2026/2027 financial year.
Mawejje said the move was unfair, arguing that boda bodas are not a luxury but a source of employment for millions of Ugandans.
Fred Ssenoga, a business product adviser to the union, said partnerships with key stakeholders had already been secured to support the planned ventures.
He said the union’s large numbers give it the capacity to produce and own products within the transport sector.
