Uber Partners With Driving Schools to Enhance Safety For its Boda Drivers

<center> Innocent Muhangi, CEO, UDSA and Frans Hiemstra, GM, SSA provide drivers with safety gear. [Credit: Uber]

Uber has announced a partnership with driving schools in Kampala to provide training for its UberBoda drivers as part of a solution to ensure that drivers are equipped from a safety perspective, following which they will be provided with certification highlighting the completed modules on traffic regulations.

Mr. Innocent Muhangi, the Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Driving Standards Agency (UDSA) said they are committed to improving Boda Boda drivers’ skills, training, and enhancing road safety in Uganda. “We are pleased to collaborate with Uber to provide Boda Boda drivers with the requisite training to equip them on safe driving,” he said.

Innocent Muhangi, CEO of Uganda Driving Standards Agency. (COURTESY PHOTO)
Innocent Muhangi, CEO of Uganda Driving Standards Agency. (COURTESY PHOTO)

Muhangi further said they are more committed than ever to playing a critical role in complementing existing public transportation infrastructure while creating more economic opportunities for Ugandans.

Motor-taxis also known as Boda Bodas play a critical role in moving people and goods across the city. This informal industry is a significant source of income for an estimated hundreds of thousands of people within Kampala and across the country, making it a priority for Uber to commit to safety initiatives and local partnerships to enhance Boda operations in the country.

UberBoda launched in 2018 in Uganda and since then they have provided earning opportunities to thousands of drivers using the platform. Through this new initiative [enhancing safety for the drivers], more Ugandans will have a chance at economic growth.

“We are proud of the investment we have made across Uganda to empower the men and women that drive with Uber. Safety is of utmost importance to us, and this is why we are collaborating with driving schools to provide training to Boda drivers on road safety, given the widespread usage of Bodas in Kampala,” said Frans Hiemstra, General Manager, SSA, Uber.

Uber’s technology is open and pro-choice, meaning the app is available to anyone needing a flexible earnings opportunity.