Bicycles are helping refugee and host communities in Uganda reach schools, healthcare facilities and markets more easily, according to research by World Bicycle Relief. The study found that farmers using bicycles can save up to Shs580,000 in transport costs and reach markets nearly 70 minutes faster, while the vehicles reduce student travel time to school and improve safety for girls who previously relied on motorcycle taxis.
In the healthcare sector, bicycles increased the number of households reached by community health workers from 117 to 178, a rise of approximately 52 per cent. Each Buffalo Bicycle retails at around $200, equivalent to about Shs800,000. Robert Omach, Uganda Country Manager at World Bicycle Relief, said the bicycles can carry loads of up to 100 kilogrammes, allowing farmers to transport produce while avoiding hired transport costs.
The researchers estimate that more than two million people could benefit from improved access to bicycles, including 16,000 community health workers, more than 400,000 secondary school students and about 1.6 million rural residents. However, affordability remains a barrier for low-income households. World Bicycle Relief is exploring financing partnerships, including arrangements to help women in village savings and loan associations acquire bicycles and pay for them over time.
Sean Granville, executive director for partnerships and country strategy at World Bicycle Relief, urged the government to consider bicycles as an investment in school infrastructure. Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Relief and Refugees Lillian Aber said the government provides policy framework and oversight for refugee interventions but does not fund bicycle procurement, arguing that international partners must honour their support commitments.