German Startups Charge Up Uganda's Electric Transport Revolution

German firms are expanding their presence in Uganda’s growing e-mobility sector. Zembo, a German startup, has already set up 42 battery-swap stations in Kampala. Other companies, like Bodawerk and AfricroozE, are now joining the market with their own electric transport solutions. Uganda is pushing for a shift to electric transport. The government plans to ban imports of combustion-engine motorcycles by 2030 and aims for a fully electrified transport system by 2040. Rising fuel costs, up from €1.20 to €1.55 per litre since the Iran war began, have also driven interest in alternatives.

Zembo leads the way with its e-motorcycles and battery-swap stations in Kampala. These electric boda taxis cost the same as traditional ones but appeal to riders like Brenda Anena, who finds them cheaper to run. Bodawerk, another German startup, has now entered the market, adding competition.

Support for these projects comes from Germany’s development bank, KfW, and its subsidiary DEG. They back German investments in e-mobility across developing countries. AfricroozE, meanwhile, plans to introduce electric cargo bikes in Uganda, starting in Jinja, before expanding across Africa. The United Nations has also named 2026–2035 the Decade of Sustainable Transport, highlighting global momentum for cleaner travel. Uganda’s electric transport sector is gaining speed with German-backed startups and supportive policies. The country’s targets for 2030 and 2040, combined with rising fuel prices, create a strong case for e-mobility. More companies are expected to enter the market as demand grows.