By Willy Chowoo
A new report by the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) highlights how switching to electric motorcycles can significantly reduce air pollution and save lives in Uganda’s capital, Kampala. The study, led by Dr. Gabriel Okello and Dr. Lambed Tatah, explores the potential health benefits of electrifying two-wheelers and the challenges that must be addressed to make this transition possible.
Boda bodas—two-wheeled motorcycles—are essential to Kampala’s transport system, providing ‘last-mile’ services and navigating congested streets. However, they are also a major source of air pollution, emitting more fine particulate matter (PM2.5) per kilometer than cars. As of 2022, Africa had approximately 27 million registered motorcycles, a staggering 440% increase over the past decade. Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) now accounts for 25% of global urban air pollution and is closely linked to non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, and asthma.
The report assesses the impact of transitioning to electric boda bodas on air pollution and public health in Kampala. Using World Health Organization’s AirQ+ software, researchers found that a full shift to electric motorcycles could reduce PM2.5 levels by 15%, from 41.1 µg/m³ to 34.9 µg/m³. This would lead to an 18% reduction in air pollution-related deaths, preventing over 450 premature deaths annually. Deaths from circulatory diseases would drop by 17%, and under-five mortality caused by respiratory infections would decrease by 12%.
In addition to air quality improvements, the report surveyed 280 boda boda riders to understand the factors influencing the adoption of electric motorcycles. While 92% of riders currently use petrol-powered boda bodas, 52% expressed interest in switching to electric models due to lower fuel and maintenance costs. However, the transition faces key barriers, including high upfront costs, limited charging stations, range anxiety, uncertainty about resale value, and health concerns regarding electric batteries.
Despite these challenges, electric boda boda riders reported higher net profits than petrol users. Even though they made fewer trips per day, their lower operational costs led to better earnings. This suggests that e-mobility could be both an economically and environmentally sustainable solution for Uganda’s transport sector.
To unlock the benefits of e-mobility, the report calls on governments, innovators, and investors to address these barriers through targeted policies, infrastructure development, and financing options for riders. Expanding charging infrastructure, reducing the cost of electric motorcycles, and implementing supportive regulations are critical steps toward widespread adoption.
Dr. Gabriel Okello emphasized the urgency of action:
“This report is important because it looks at transport-related air pollution, a critical issue affecting people in Kampala and other cities in Uganda and Africa. The good thing is we have local, relevant solutions; they just need to be acted on. This report spotlights the potential benefits of the transition and provides recommendations to make it happen.
Uganda has already taken steps toward e-mobility, introducing 24 electric buses, over 1,500 electric motorcycles, and 100 battery-swapping stations. However, further efforts are needed to scale up adoption. The study urges collaboration between policymakers, businesses, and local communities to develop sustainable strategies for electrifying boda bodas and transforming urban transport.
As Kampala grapples with worsening air pollution and increasing health risks, the electrification of boda bodas offers a transformative opportunity. Beyond reducing emissions, it promises economic benefits, job creation, and improved public health—paving the way for a cleaner, healthier future for Uganda and the wider region.
