By Mark Kawalya
Uganda’s robust boda boda sector is on the brink of a significant environmentally friendly transformation. Spiro, a supplier of electric motorcycles and cutting-edge battery exchange technology, has partnered with Yongeza Capital to boost electric mobility in Mbarara City. The partnership marks the initial phase of a nationwide expansion endeavor, to revolutionize Uganda’s urban transportation landscape.
The project kicks off with the launch of Mbarara City’s first electric boda boda battery exchange station. This lays the groundwork for the introduction of an eco-friendly bike fleet to start operating this June. The initiative targets densely populated boda boda areas to ensure an impactful transition toward a greener transport infrastructure. Spiro attributes its capacity to deploy electric motorcycles to the support of investors such as the African Fund for Transformation and Industrialization (ATIF). The investor has injected over $50 million in funding into the company.
Spiro is a strong eco-friendly force in Kampala, with 22 established exchange stations. The firm now brings its innovative e-bikes and advanced battery technology to Mbarara. Yongeza Capital, an advocate for sustainability, drives the expansion by facilitating financial options through Mogo and other affiliates. This ensures that boda boda operators have accessible and cost-effective solutions, streamlining the transition to electric vehicles.
“Our collaboration with Spiro is about fostering a sustainable urban ecosystem,” emphasizes Collin Mugisha, CEO/Founder of Yongeza Capital. “By targeting key areas like Mbarara City, we demonstrate the tangible benefits of electric bikes – cost savings and environmental conservation.”
Kaushik Burman, CEO of Spiro, echoes this sentiment: “This June, with Mbarara’s first swap station launch and bike introductions, we lay the foundation for a more sustainable Uganda. Our partnership with Yongeza Capital ensures these benefits reach every corner of the country.”
This collaboration centres on green transportation as it empowers the boda boda industry with sustainable, cost-effective, and top-tier transportation solutions. By mitigating carbon emissions in Uganda’s bustling metropolises, it paves the way for a cleaner and healthier future for all.
Spiro specializes in vehicle design and intelligent battery systems, the firm joined forces with the Ugandan Government to deploy over 140,000 electric two-wheelers and 3,000 charge-and-swap stations nationwide. This initiative, will run until 2028. It aligns with Uganda’s ambition to lead Africa in embracing electric mobility solutions.
