SafeBoda, a Ugandan ride hailing startup which started operations in 2015, has expanded to cover other parts of Kampala. This is to remain committed to its goal of ensuring boda rides in Uganda are safe. It is a safe and convenient boda boda transport service that brought innovation to the growing motorcycle taxi industry in Uganda and Africa.
SafeBoda has been covering areas of Kampala Central Business District, Kamwokya, Kololo, Bukoto, Nakasero, parts of Ntinda, Jinja road and Naguru. It has since expanded operations to include the areas of Kisaasi, Makerere, Bugolobi, Kisugu, Kabalagala, Muyenga, Nsambya, Kansanga, Kyambogo, Mbuya, Nakawa and neighboring areas near them.
We are expanding our request area!! We have added parts of Makerere, Kisaasi, Kyambogo, Kisugu, Muyenga, Kabalagala Nsambya and Kansanga... pic.twitter.com/2qxS3dzvKM
— SafeBoda (@SafeBoda) March 2, 2017
This comes after SafeBoda launching its new app on the 15th of February this year. So far, over 1000 downloads of the new app have been made since its launch. According to Damalie Wasukira, the Head of communications at SafeBoda, they’re migrating their riders to the new app - currently only available on Android.
With the new App, SafeBoda users should expect new and improved design that’s simple to use, fair and transparent prices removing the back and forth of bargaining with the riders, riders arriving within minutes and so much more.
[caption id="attachment_381" align="aligncenter" width="620"]
The new SafeBoda App outlook[/caption]
So far 150 rides are ordered per day using the new app and only 50 riders are currently using the new app. This is a small number given that SafeBoda has over 1200 riders in its portfolio to which Damalie also agrees. She attributes this to the huge work involved in training the riders on how to use the new app. Each of the 50 riders is currently making an average of UGx. 45,000 per day – which is within the average range of 30,000 – 50,000 made by other non – SafeBoda riders operating in the same areas.
SafeBoda riders can be identified by their orange reflector jackets that bear their names at the back; they also carry two helmets, one for the rider and one for the passenger. Each rider has a unique identification number on the helmets and also carries disposable hair/head caps for passengers to ensure hygiene.
Asked about their expansion plans, Damalie confirmed that it’s in plan to cover the entire Kampala by end of 2017 and embark on expanding to other cities and towns like Jinja, Entebbe etc. Currently, their rider database is growing by 5-10 riders per week despite the fact they are not doing active recruitment. She said that there are plans to kick off recruitment of riders in the next quarter till the end of the year.
For one to become a safeboda rider, they are required to part with a one-time membership fee of UGx. 200,000, must have at least 3 years of riding experience and belong to a boda boda stage. They’re therefore required to come with a letter from the boda boda stage chairman confirming their membership. The other thing they must carry is a letter from a next of kin for identification purposes.
Yet, the benefits are immense as they get access to low cost insurance cover with their families. This is possible through the partnership established between SafeBoda and BIMA Insurance. So, riders interested in the program have to part with between UGx. 25,000 – 30,000 a month. The rider also get two helmets and an orange reflector jacket. Those without permits get helped in the process given the existing working relationship between SafeBoda and Uganda police.
SafeBoda currently has a staff of over 40 people. It also has several partnerships helping it to navigate the tough business climate in Uganda. Some of them are already active while others are a work in progress. Partners include BIMA Insurance, Red Cross, MTN Uganda and Makerere University.
Safeboda is backed by Harold Mechelynck (Founder of Ogone), Global Innovation Fund, USAID Development Innovation Ventures and Shell Foundation. Apart from Global Innovation Fund, which invested £160,000, other investment details remain undisclosed as SafeBoda declined to make a comment.