IGEE at Yonsei University

Urban Transport in Crisis: Linking Motorcycle Taxi Proliferation to Respiratory Health and Exploring Barriers to Electrification in Uganda

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Date : 2025-11-03  |  Read : 215

Research and Activity Objectives and Content   Rapid urbanization in developing countries drives economic growth but also causes socio-economic challenges, notably air pollution from outdated internal combustion vehicles and the associated respiratory health risks for urban residents. This study focuses on Uganda, where motorcycle taxis (“boda-boda”) are rapidly proliferating and hold significant social importance. The research aims to analyze the impact of boda-bodas on public health, identify causal pathways, and examine barriers to transitioning to electric motorcycles.

Research and Activity Plans or Methodology   The study combines:

1. Quantitative analysis: Estimating causal effects of boda-bodas on respiratory health using air quality (PM2.5) and health data. The flow:

   • Literature review on boda-boda prevalence and international motorcycle taxi cases

   • Identification of exogenous shocks and collection of PM2.5 and DHIS data

   • Causal analysis using 2SLS, Event Study, and other econometric methods

2. Qualitative analysis: Identifying barriers to electric motorcycle adoption and analyzing social meaning. The flow:

• Review of previous studies comparing conventional and electric boda-bodas

• Interviews with stakeholders: boda-boda drivers, air pollution-vulnerable groups, researchers

• Analysis to identify adoption barriers, assess industry significance, and qualitatively evaluate health impacts

Expected Effects and Follow-up Plans   This study is the first to causally assess Uganda’s motorcycle taxi industry on public health, aiming to inform actionable policy. Expected outcomes:

1. Quantify the impact of boda-boda proliferation on respiratory diseases, providing scientific evidence beyond correlational studies and supporting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

2. Identify current electric motorcycle adoption levels and institutional/policy barriers to inform sustainable transport policies, contributing to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

3. Develop a mixed-methods framework applicable to other developing countries, enhancing international development impact.

Ultimately, the research will provide evidence to promote both a “green transition” and “health equity” in Uganda’s transport sector. Follow-up research will benchmark successful cases, such as electric transport adoption in Boracay, Philippines, to create a context-specific action plan for Uganda.

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