Union launches rider products for higher earnings and growth

On Wednesday, Union brought together over 400 boda riders at the Garden City rooftop, where they were introduced to a range of products designed to help them increase their earnings and support their personal and economic development.

The products launched on the Union Driver App charge a flat 7% commission on each fare, ensuring that riders retain a larger share of their income. To further encourage consistent usage, riders who complete ten trips through the app receive a free helmet and reflector. Additionally, qualifying drivers benefit from an insurance package, and all participating riders are automatically enrolled in an NSSF Smart Life savings plan, helping them build financial security for the future.

In tandem with the app launch, Union introduced its Boda Loans program to make it more affordable for riders to acquire motorcycles. With a down payment of just UGX250,000, riders can take possession of a bike and enjoy a one-week grace period before commencing repayments. The total loan amount is set at UGX7,250,000, and repayment terms are structured to accommodate different needs: men can spread their payments over 12 months at as low as UGX24,500 per day, while women have an 18-month repayment window. This flexible financing option is intended to reduce the financial barrier to entry and enable more individuals to join the boda industry.

Recognizing the importance of connectivity, Union also launched the Union Smartphone package. Riders can secure a device immediately by paying UGX45,000 upfront, followed by affordable installments of UGX900 per day over eight months. Each phone comes preloaded with the Union “Let’s Go” app and includes a monthly data allocation of 2 GB for the entire eight-month period. This initiative ensures that riders can stay online, access digital tools, and remain connected to customers and their support network while on the move.

Beyond products tailored specifically for riders, Union expanded its offerings into other areas of community development. Through the Village Land Loans scheme, individuals can select plots in Busunju, Hoima Road, or Kalagi with a minimal down payment of UGX250,000. Available plot sizes include 50 × 25 ft and 50 × 50 ft, making land ownership attainable for a broader demographic. To complement these services, Union also introduced Union Mineral Water, priced at UGX4,500 for a carton of 12 bottles and UGX9,000 for a carton of 24 bottles, thereby providing an affordable, clean drinking water option to both riders and the wider community.

The Union football club and the Boxing club were also officially launched.

Together with partners; MTN, NBS (Nxt Media), Honda, Simba, Bleep, Spiro, among others, Union launched all these products in a bid to make boda rider’s lives better, enabling them to improve their lives, own their bikes, get digital by offering smartphones at break even prices, and also own land.