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Why We Started in Kampala: A Testbed for African Mobility Innovation

September 8, 2025
4 min read
By Gendayo Team
Kampala
East Africa
Community

Kampala isn't just our launch city – it's our inspiration. Discover why this vibrant, complex city is the perfect testing ground for next-generation mobility solutions.

Why We Started in Kampala: A Testbed for African Mobility Innovation

Kampala isn't just our launch city – it's our inspiration. Discover why this vibrant, complex city is the perfect testing ground for next-generation mobility solutions.

A City in Motion

Kampala pulses with energy. From the bustling markets of Kampala's Central Business District (CBD) such as Owino and Nakasero, to the co-tech cluster in Central Division and Nakawa, this city embodies the spirit of modern Africa — dynamic, resilient, and endlessly resourceful. With more than 2 million people navigating its hills and valleys daily, Kampala reflects the real challenges and opportunities of urban mobility across the continent.

Why Kampala

Kampala combines the best of both worlds: a vibrant city on the rise and the day-to-day realities of African transport. It's where boda bodas, taxis, and special hire vehicles weave through crowded hills — and where innovation must prove itself in real life.

The Perfect Testing Ground

Every challenge solved in Kampala strengthens our platform for expansion across Africa. Its unique geography, informal transport networks, and diverse economic realities create the ideal environment to stress-test our AI-native systems and ensure they work in conditions where reliability matters most.

Complex Geography

Built on seven hills, Kampala's terrain creates routing challenges that traditional mapping solutions struggle with. Our AI learns these nuances — knowing which routes work best at different times and conditions.

Diverse Transport Ecosystem

From boda bodas to taxis, to special hire, Kampala's transport system is one of the most diverse in Africa. Rather than replace it, our platform integrates with these existing patterns to make journeys safer, smarter, and fairer.

Community-First Approach

We're not building for Kampala — we're building with Kampala. Every feature, every algorithm, every design decision is shaped by direct feedback from riders and drivers who know these streets better than any GPS ever could.

Gateway to East Africa

As we perfect our platform in Kampala, we're preparing to expand across the region. The lessons learned here — the relationships built, the systems refined — will power our growth into Kigali, Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, and beyond.

Why We Started in Kampala: A Testbed for African Mobility Innovation - Gendayo | Gendayo