Uber expands African presence, launches in Uganda’s capital Kampala

Uber the ride-hailing mobile service application has launched in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda.

A promotion for its launch, Uber will give all Ugandans in the city free rides between today and midnight on Sunday 5 June 2016.

Uber says it hopes to provide a transport alternative that can complement the city’s existing solutions.

Besides selling the simplicity that comes with being able to hail a cab through a mobile app, Uber also wants to provide another solution to Kampala’s traffic congestion, create opportunities for drivers and reduce strain on the roads.

Kampala becomes the 12th African city to start using the service which is already available in cities in Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt.

Earlier this year Uber announced that it would be expanding into three cities in Uganda, Tanzania and Ghana and consider the introduction of cash payment alternatives for African markets something that was activated recently in South Africa.