OpenStreetMap Uganda
3 min readMay 11, 2023

OSM Uganda Goes Electric, advocating for a greener future

With the introduction of the new electric motorcycle for transporting digital learning equipment to schools for the OSM in Schools Program, OpenStreetMap Uganda shows commitment to providing innovative solutions to the challenges faced by students and educators in Uganda.

The new electric motorcycle is an environmentally friendly mode of transportation designed to deliver training materials to schools faster and more efficiently. This will ensure more students have access to the resources they need to succeed in their studies.

OpenStreetMap Uganda electric motorcycle for transporting digital training materials in the field.
OSM Uganda Electric Motorcycle. Photo Credit: OSM Uganda

One of the key benefits of the electric motorcycle is its eco-friendliness. Unlike traditional motorcycles, which run on fossil fuels and emit harmful pollutants into the environment, the electric motorcycle runs on clean, renewable energy. This not only helps to reduce carbon emissions but also helps to promote a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations.

Another key benefit of the electric motorcycle is its efficiency. With a top speed of up to 50 km/h and a range of up to 80 km on a single charge, the motorcycle can cover more ground in less time, ensuring that training materials are delivered to schools faster and more efficiently. This is particularly important in rural areas where schools are often located far from urban centers and transportation infrastructure is poor.

Photo Credit: Mukunya Arthur

The OSM in Schools Program is an initiative that aims to bridge the digital divide, improve access to digital educational resources, and promote the use of OpenStreetMap (OSM) in schools in Uganda.

This program uses a shared model system that allows schools with less or no digital learning equipment to access these resources along with the OSM Uganda field team that equips students and teachers with digital and open mapping skills.

OpenStreetMap is a free and open-source map of the world that provides a wealth of information that can be used for various purposes, including education, research, and development.

Digital skills hands-on training with students in Kisoro District, Uganda. Photo Credit: OSM Uganda

By introducing the electric motorcycle for transporting training materials to schools, OpenStreetMap Uganda is making a significant contribution to the success of this goal. Ensuring that more students have access to the resources they need to succeed in their studies helps promote a more educated and prosperous future for Uganda.

Photo Credit: OSM Uganda

Acknowledgments

Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team

SDGsToday

The Eastern and Southern Africa Open Mapping Hub

Africa Digital Access Initiative

OpenStreetMap Uganda

OpenStreetMap Uganda (OSM) is an NGO working across Uganda, promoting community mapping, GIS awareness, & Open datasets.