Kampala is the capital city of Uganda, the pearl of Africa; and among the aspects of visiting the city is knowing how to travel around it. If you are new to the city, be assured of a calm welcome and reception, but do not think of it all as a walk-over. With an influx in the number of cars flowing in and out, the traffic can be tight for a random traveler especially at peak hours, and a boda could be a swift alternative to use as you’ll find one almost everywhere. By Boda or Boda boda , we mean Motorcycle taxi for the uninitiated. You might know them as Okadas if you hail from Nigeria.
Tricycle Taxis also known as “ Keke ” in Nigeria or Tuk-Tuk popular in coastal areas like Mombasa or South East Asia are not common in Kampala because they were banned . A few are used for logistics but not passenger transportation.
So what else should you know before taking a boda ride within Kampala? Is it just any boda, or should you hail with an app? We recommend the latter, because it is much cheaper, convenient, and won’t keep you wondering how safe you are. However, there is much more to it than just deciding. Read on.
Get a SIM card
The first thing to do, especially if you plan on spending more than week within the city, is to get yourself a SIM card – that’s if you don’t have one yet. A SIM card will be helpful if you need to access local mobile data from your mobile phone, to make calls for service delivery and assistance, as well as to communicate with a few friends within the city and country.
The options tochoose from are many depending on the exact service you would like to receive, but the assurance you can have is that majority of the networks perform pretty well within the city. It can be MTN Uganda, Airtel Uganda, Africell Uganda, or Uganda Telecom. The process of acquiring a card is not any hard, all you need to have is your passport on you – and the knowledge of where to get it from.
For an MTN SIM card , you can visit Shoprite-Clocktower along Ben Kiwanuka street, Shoprite-Lugogo Mall, Forest Mall, Mukwano Mall, Kyaggwe Road and Kampala Road, Opposite Bank of Uganda.
For an Airtel SIM card , you can visit their Ntinda shop (opposite the mosque), the Head office shop (Clement Hill), Plaza-Jinja road opposite KCB, and Forest Mall shop-Lugogo bypass.
For an Africell SIM card , you can get a card from their Head Office shop and from Boulevard along Kampala Road; for a Uganda Telecom SIM card, you can get one at Shoprite Clock Tower- Ben Kiwanuka Street, Shoprite Lugogo Mall and Telephone House Business Center.
Download a boda-hailing app
You could have made a choice of the boda-hailing brand you will ride with, I don’t want to change or bias your mind. All you need to know is that we have a really competitive industry within the city. Besides the inaugural SafeBoda, 2018 alone has given birth to three names – Taxify Boda, uberBoda, and Dial Jack; with many more on the way.
So you can be sure of getting a boda ride across the city on any of them. Here’s how to download the apps;
- For SafeBoda: You can download it from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
- For Taxify Boda: You can download the Taxify app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store and look out for Taxify Boda.
- For uberBoda: You can download the uber app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store and look out for uberBoda.
- For Dial Jack: You can download it from Google Play Store
After downloading the app(s), you can take time to familiarize with how it works, as well as contact support for assistance. Note that your newly acquired SIM card will come in handy here. You will need the phone number to register with the boda-hailing app, and the network to get a mobile data plan that will get you going. These apps run on an active internet connection.
Request for a boda ride
Before you begin on your journey, know your destination and pick up location. These will guide both the boda driver that will pick you up, as well as to assist you in case you get a problem. Once you are ready to travel, feed in the details of your journey in the app interface, and request for the ride.
You should receive a call from the driver to pick you up, to confirm your location and to clarify on the amount of time you should wait.
Note the Rider/Driver Number
Your safety begins at this point. As the driver is on their way, note down their number and phone contact. This is because once they show up at the pick up location, the number reflected on the app should be similar to that on their helmet or reflector jacket. Otherwise, in case you get into any form of trouble with this particular rider, you can have a starting point when submitting a report to the customer support or the police.
If at all the rider arrives and, God forbid, they are not the reflection of what you saw on the app, abort the trip and inform them that you are not satisfied or ready for the trip. Go ahead and request for another ride.
Request for an helmet
When the rider arrives, the perfect greeting is Gyebale ko (pronounced je-ba-le-ko ) , a very common luganda greeting for “Well done on your duties”. Be sure for a rider smiling back in gratitude. If the rider is the one that contacted you, and you are comfortable to begin the ride, ask for an helmet. The rider should have a second helmet available for you, for your security and comfort.
This helmet should also have the same number as on the rider’s helmet and his reflector jacket. With an helmet should come a hairnet, to protect your hair from any dirt and dust that could have accumulated in it. So, it’s your right to have one as well. If all is set, you can hop onto the boda for the ride.
Use Maps to track traffic and your motion
If Kampala is not your usual place, it is good if you open your Maps app to track your boda movement. The interesting thing about the Maps, whether Google or Apple, is that you can easily get the route on the go – as long as you have input your destination.
Related: Google Maps navigation now shows live traffic updates for Kampala
So, go ahead and punch in wherever you are heading to, and ask the app to give you directions. As the boda moves, the navigator on the Maps app will also be directing you on the alternatives to take, which will make you travel much more like a Kampalan. You can even tell the rider to make a turn, if that is what Maps is asking you to do! While you are at it, Google maps now shows live traffic updates around Kampala, so you want to use routes that have less congestion to make your ride even safer on a Boda.
Along the way, riders are always free and friendly to chat with. You can ask about whatever thing you see or could have missed, and be sure to get a bit from them.
Reaching your destination
After reaching your destination, the rider should stop the trip, and a price break down will pop up on your phone and theirs. This break down comprises of the base fare, the price per kilometres, and price per minutes spent on the trip. You can compare the prices on our Pricegator .
After confirming that the price is as it should be, make payment and rate your rider. This should be a sincere report on how the ride has been, and customer support usually follows up on it.
So are you visiting Kampala and you want to get a ride taste of the city of 7 hills, get a Boda. It’s the fastest and cheapest means of transport, but not the safest! If you are travelling in a group or have kids, you want to consider a real car. The chaotic public Taxis or Matatus or Uber/Taxify will do just fine.
Images; Safeboda Facebook page
This account is managed by the in-house team at Dignited, a collective of passionate tech writers, editors, and enthusiasts dedicated to bringing you the latest insights, reviews, and news on consumer technology. For inquiries or feedback, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] .
Type your email…
Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
Type your email…
The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
Type your email…
