Zembo Uganda, the nation’s pioneering electric motorcycle company, today announced a landmark partnership with Tugende Limited, a for profit social enterprise that uses asset finance, technology, and a customer-centric model to help informal sector entrepreneurs (MSMEs) increase their economic trajectory.
The agreement establishes Zembo as Tugende’s electric motorcycle partner, dramatically expanding access to affordable, zero-emission transportation for boda boda riders throughout urban centers and peri-urban centers across the country.
This collaboration moves beyond simply swapping fuel for batteries. It represents a coordinated effort to address high operating costs and environmental impact, directly empowering the riders essential to the economy so they can earn and keep more money for their families and futures. Together, the companies plan to finance and deploy a significant number of Zembo electric bikes over the next few months. Riders will benefit from Tugende’s flexible financing plans and value added services combined with reliable access to Zembo’s battery-swap stations, ensuring maximum time on the road with tremendous cost reduction.
“We have witnessed the dedication and daily hustle of the boda community, and they deserve tools that deliver real returns,” said James Obarowski, Chief Executive Officer, Zembo. “This partnership with Tugende is pivotal. They understand asset financing better than anyone, and we understand electric bikes. We are already seeing riders’ excitement when they realize they can save up to 40% on operating costs while significantly increasing their daily take-home earnings. This is how we help them ride smarter and earn bigger”
For Tugende, this alliance marks a decisive entry into sustainable mobility, building on over 13 years of supporting more than 80,000 entrepreneurs and hundreds of thousands more family and community members. By integrating Zembo’s electric bikes into its portfolio, Tugende reinforces its position at the forefront of Uganda’s e-mobility transition, aligning with national goals for cleaner transport.
“Electric mobility is not a trend; it is the future our riders need,” commented Patrick Asiimwe, Country Manager for Tugende in Uganda. “We have financed entrepreneurial dreams for years, and we are excited to offer them access to pioneering and proven electric assets with Zembo.”
Tugende’s CEO, Michael Wilkerson added that the public should expect to see Zembo’s efficient motorcycles as a common sight. “Teaming with Zembo allows us to offer sensible packages—low upfront costs, quick approvals, and reliable bikes,” he said. “ This is a clear win for the riders’ finances, the air quality, and the communities we serve. The deployment begins immediately in key economic hubs, starting with Kampala, and then expanding to Masaka, Jinja, and Entebbe, with a strategy for nationwide expansion by mid-2026. Early operators are already drawn to the combination of Tugende’s accessible loans and Zembo’s charging network—notably the first to utilize battery cabinets locally assembled in Africa.
Zembo Uganda, founded in 2018, pioneered Electric Motorcycle deployment in Uganda, rolling out over 1,000 electric bikes and establishing a robust network that has cut emissions and boosted rider incomes. Tugende, operating in Uganda and Kenya , continues to redefine asset financing through technology-enabled leasing and dedicated on-the-ground support. Established in 2012, Tugende has served more than 80,000 customers and changed even more livelihoods with its value added packages including the first medical cover for boda riders in Uganda.
For more details or inquiries about switching to electric, please contact Zembo on toll free number 0800 256 468 or Tugende on toll free number 0800300848
Zembo is transforming transport in Uganda with affordable electric motorcycles and a reliable battery-swap network. Since 2018, the company has focused on providing sustainable rides that increase rider income and reduce local air pollution. Learn more at www.zem.bo
Tugende is East Africa’s premier motorcycle and MSME financing institution, empowering entrepreneurs with smart loans, digital credit histories, insurance, and training. The company is committed to building thriving livelihoods—one reliable asset at a time.