How e-mobility works in Uganda: Visiting GoGo Electric (Silent Leaps Part II)

Boda boda: this is the name given in East Africa to bicycle and motorbike taxis that transport both people and goods through large cities. Thanks to a few brave pioneers, there is a growing number of electrification initiatives in Africa to power bodabodas with electricity. Paul Gumienny, a long-standing expert in the field of electric mobility ecosystems, travelled to Uganda to meet one such pioneer, GoGo Electric.

Through his camera, we meet Jakob and Janos, the initiators of one of the fastest-growing electric boda boda ecosystems in the country. GoGo Electric equips motorcycles for courier services with electric drives and replaceable 4.5 kWh batteries that can be changed at numerous stations throughout the city. The two-wheelers are no more expensive to buy or lease than combustion engine motorcycles (as the battery does not have to be purchased), and their operating costs are said to be 40 to 50 per cent lower than petrol guzzlers.

What began as a bold idea is now an integral part of the street scene in Kampala and far beyond. Paul Gumienny lets the two founders speak on camera about the peculiarities and special features of electric mobility in Uganda, highlighting their inventive spirit and perseverance. With this short documentary (‘How does e-mobility work in Uganda? – Silent Leaps Part II’), he presents the second part of his series on extraordinary electrification projects beyond the mainstream. You can watch the first part, entitled ‘Silent Leaps – Uganda’s eMobility Pioneers’, here.