StarTimes e-motorcycle deal sparks debate over Uganda’s transport future

The government’s decision to partner with StarTimes Uganda to roll out 300,000 electric motorcycles nationwide has ignited debate over whether the ambitious plan will transform urban transport or deepen long-standing challenges in the boda boda industry.

Announced by the Ministry of Works and Transport as part of Uganda’s National E-Mobility Strategy, the five-year initiative aims to cut transport-related emissions by more than 40 per cent, reduce air-pollution-related deaths by 18 per cent, and boost electricity consumption by up to 33 per cent. The strategy targets full electrification of public transport by 2030.

The entry of StarTimes into Uganda’s electric mobility space was confirmed during a meeting between Works and Transport Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala and StarTimes Uganda executives on Tuesday. However, the announcement has triggered questions around feasibility, local industry participation, road safety, and the overall direction of public transport policy.

One of the immediate concerns is whether the 300,000 electric motorcycles will be manufactured locally or imported. Data from the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation shows that only about 5,000 electric motorcycles have been produced domestically over the past five years, raising doubts about local capacity to meet the scale envisioned under the deal.

Industry players argue that local assemblers could scale up production if supported by financing and predictable policy. James Obarowski, Chief Executive Officer of electric motorcycle firm Zembo, says the local industry—largely focused on assembly and conversion—has the potential to supply a significant share of the units needed to electrify the boda boda sector.

“The challenge has been affordability,” Obarowski said. “Most riders cannot easily raise the upfront cost of an electric motorcycle. But with asset financing coming into the market, uptake should accelerate.”

Uganda is estimated to have between one million and 1.5 million motorcycles, making the boda boda industry one of the largest employers in the informal sector. To support electrification, government has introduced tax incentives, including tax holidays for qualifying firms and reduced taxes on electric vehicle parts, with VAT lowered to zero or 10 per cent.

Yet critics argue that expanding the boda boda fleet—electric or otherwise—risks worsening road safety. Police data shows that boda bodas account for between 53 and 55 per cent of road accident injuries in Uganda, placing a heavy burden on health facilities and emergency services.

Ronald Amanyire, a Principal Road Safety Officer at the Ministry of Works and Transport who spoke in a personal capacity, warned that the initiative could inadvertently increase road carnage.

“In this matter, a technocrat involved the minister to indirectly endorse boda bodas, electric or petrol, despite clear evidence of their role in crashes,” Amanyire said. “This should not have happened.”

Urban planners and transport experts have also questioned whether prioritising electric motorcycles aligns with long-term transport planning. Civil engineer Tumukunde Ivan argues that Uganda should focus on mass transit systems rather than expanding motorcycle taxis.

“Neighbouring countries are investing in bus lanes and modern public transport,” he said. “Kampala is already overwhelmed by boda bodas that disregard traffic rules. Adding 300,000 more will only increase congestion and fatalities.”

Environmental claims under the initiative have also drawn scrutiny. While motorcycles contribute to urban emissions, some analysts question how the government arrived at estimates that the project would cut pollution-related deaths by 18 per cent, given limited data on emissions specifically attributable to boda bodas. The World Health Organisation estimates that air pollution causes about 30,000 premature deaths annually in Uganda.

Supporters of the project argue that electrification remains necessary, even if broader transport reforms are needed. They say electric motorcycles could significantly reduce tailpipe emissions and operating costs for riders if implemented alongside stronger regulation and safety enforcement.

As Uganda pushes toward its 2030 electrification target, the StarTimes partnership has become a test case for whether e-mobility can deliver environmental gains without exacerbating safety, congestion, and urban planning challenges.