Uganda - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

The business idea is a bus transport booking mobile/web application that allows people to choose from a variety of bus service providers depending on their destination, and book for tickets or plan their trips in real time.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

We are workin on as bus transport booking mobile/web application that allows people to choose from a variety of bus service providers depending on their destination, and book for tickets or plan their trips in real time. People in Uganda use buses a lot especially to travel over long distances. Approximately 2million people commute into Kampala every day while 7million people travel seasonally up country, this travel may be escalated even further due to the prospects of intercity trade facilitated by the birth of several new cities, approximately 500,000 people travel weekly between distant towns. Most business all over Uganda and East Africa are facilitated by bus transport in one way or another to transport goods, deliver goods to customers. Many times business men are forced to personally deliver good to clients in distant locations because of the luck of a trusted and reliable parcel delivery service.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

The cost of booking a ticket arising from transport costs and the time it takes to book a ticket are experiences every hard-working Ugandan should try to avoid. Too much time is spent booking for tickets, the cost of movement to and from the ticket booking centers is an added cost to the bus ticket, the failure of real time information on departure time has led to clients missing their buses. All these are fundamental problems being faced by bus clients. 90% of bus booking companies are located within the city center, a very harsh and congested environment; given the nature of our current society that has been affected by the COVID -19 pandemic it is even more risky for clients to move to congested stations. The cost of traveling from residential areas of the city to the ticket booking on average costs about an extra shs.10,000 being the cost of transport. In addition, the client after getting their tickets are often subjected to long and exhausting waiting periods.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

We acknowledge immense contribution of I.T in simplifying traditional process, especially judging from the success of safeboda, Uber and Faras and seek to take advantage of this strength to create a platform that makes bus travel much more convenient and simpler yet affordable basing on the choices and preferences of travelers. With the Easybus application, the user should be able to book a ticket using our platform. The user will be able to see the departure time of the bus and the approximate time a journey will take. They should also be informed on where the bus will be taking off from, and how to conveniently board at a location of their choosing. The application should be able to facilitate a financial transaction between the customer and Bus Company when a user is done making a choice and preference on the trip they want to take. The application will also be able to give customers information on the go such as the landmarks and significant sites along the way.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Our baseline survey done at various bus parks such as Jaguar, Global coaches, Trinity bus, our research team noted that the biggest percentage of bus users who are our target market have smart phones. Based on their response they estimate that 60% of users on their ordinary bus packages carry smartphones whereas for their VIP bus packages 90% of users carried smartphones. However we also target travelers and business men without smartphones by introducing the USSD code for non smartphones. A user is able to dial in a code and be able to book a ticket and initiate a mobile money payment transfer. Our platform is designed to connect travelers to various bus companies therefore our target market is aimed at anybody who travels by bus. Key travelers include businessmen,organizations, universities, tourists, business travelers, students, working professionals, bus owners and operators, highway vendors and traders, thrill seekers, Farmers,Social workers, hotel users and employes.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2022-05-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

1

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Nkusi Benjamin; is a young Lawyer who has just graduated at Makerere University, he is the team leader of the Easybus team; he is a hardworking and dedicated individual with the ability to lead the team. He is also a highly innovative and creative individual and the original visionary of the Easybus concept creation and initial birthing process of the idea. Alenyo Blaise Okwero: A tax and tech law professional with experience in building sustainable and effective startups. Blaise has worked with start-ups like Medx (a medical software company), Safarishare, Tegeka (a domestic cleaning and laundry app), Gradeplus academy and many others. He is also well versed with start up corporate governance and brings with him the aforementioned skills to the team. Jast tech ltd; is a team of well-trained Aptech graduates whose sole purpose is to deliver the best products and services to their clients. Every team member has committed himself/herself to working with specific fields.

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

- SDG 8: EasyBus promotes decent work and economic growth by providing a platform for bus companies to showcase their services and compete fairly. - SDG 9: The software application innovatively uses technology to improve infrastructure and transportation systems. - SDG 11: EasyBus contributes to sustainable cities and communities by streamlining public transportation and reducing congestion. - SDG 17: The platform fosters partnerships among bus companies, users, and the transportation sector, promoting collaborative growth.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Accessibility: By providing a platform for people to easily find and book bus transportation, EasyBus may increase access to markets, food sources, and agricultural opportunities, thereby indirectly supporting food security. Economic growth: By promoting decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), EasyBus may contribute to increased economic activity, which can lead to improved food security and reduced hunger. Logistics optimization: EasyBus could potentially be used to optimize logistics and transportation for food distribution, reducing waste and improving the efficiency of food supply chains.

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

5

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

EasyBus Ticket, as a transportation software application, may contribute to Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) in several ways: Access to healthcare: By providing a platform for people to easily find and book bus transportation, EasyBus may increase access to healthcare services, especially in areas where healthcare facilities are limited or difficult to reach. Reduced stress: By streamlining transportation and making it more efficient, EasyBus may reduce stress and anxiety related to commuting, which can positively impact mental health and well-being. Increased physical activity: By promoting the use of public transportation, EasyBus may encourage people to engage in physical activity, such as walking or cycling, to and from bus stops, contributing to improved physical health.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

EasyBus Ticket, as a transportation software application, may contribute to Quality Education (SDG 4) in the following ways: Access to education: By providing a platform for people to easily find and book bus transportation, EasyBus may increase access to educational institutions, especially in areas where transportation options are limited. Reliable commuting: By streamlining transportation, EasyBus may help students and teachers arrive at schools and universities on time, reducing absenteeism and improving overall educational outcomes. Digital literacy: By exposing users to digital technologies and online platforms, EasyBus may indirectly promote digital literacy and computer skills, essential for modern education.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

EasyBus, a transportation software application, may contribute to Gender Equality (SDG 5) in the following ways: Safe transportation : By providing a reliable and traceable transportation platform, EasyBus may reduce the risk of harassment or assault, especially for women and gender-nonconforming individuals. Equal access : By offering a user-friendly platform, EasyBus may promote equal access to transportation for all individuals, regardless of gender or gender identity. Economic empowerment: By providing a platform for women to access employment, education, and healthcare opportunities, EasyBus may indirectly support economic empowerment and gender equality.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

2

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

EasyBus, as a transportation software application, may contribute to Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7) in the following ways: Promoting public transportation: By encouraging the use of bus transportation, EasyBus may reduce the number of private vehicles on the road, leading to decreased energy consumption and lower emissions. Optimizing routes: By providing the most efficient bus routes, EasyBus may help reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions. Electrification of public transport: EasyBus may incentivize bus companies to adopt electric or hybrid vehicles, promoting cleaner energy sources in the transportation sector.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

EasyBus, as a transportation software application, contributes to Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) in the following ways: Job creation: EasyBus may generate employment opportunities in the transportation sector, such as bus drivers, maintenance staff, and customer support agents. Entrepreneurship opportunities: The platform may enable bus companies and entrepreneurs to start or expand their businesses, promoting economic growth and development. Efficient operations: By streamlining transportation services, EasyBus may help bus companies reduce costs, increase efficiency, and improve their overall productivity. Access to markets: By providing a platform for people to access transportation, EasyBus may indirectly support small businesses and entrepreneurs in accessing markets, suppliers, and customers.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

EasyBus, as a transportation software application, may contribute to the industry innovation and infrastructure in the following way: Promoting Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7). EasyBus may reduce the number of private vehicles on the road, leading to decreased energy consumption and lower emissions. Optimizing routes: By providing the most efficient bus routes, EasyBus may help reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions. Electrification of public transport: EasyBus may incentivize bus companies to adopt electric or hybrid vehicles, promoting cleaner energy sources in the transportation sector.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

EasyBus, a transportation software application, contributes to Reduced Inequalities in the following ways. EasyBus may reduce inequalities in access to education, employment, and healthcare opportunities. Affordability: By promoting affordable transportation options, EasyBus may reduce economic inequalities and make mobility more accessible to marginalized communities. Social inclusion: By providing a platform for people to connect and access shared transportation, EasyBus may foster social inclusion and reduce social inequalities. Gender equality: By promoting safe and reliable transportation, EasyBus may reduce gender-based inequalities and promote gender equality.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

EasyBus, as a transportation software application, contributes to Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) in the following ways: Efficient transportation: By streamlining bus routes and reducing the number of vehicles on the road, EasyBus may decrease traffic congestion and promote more efficient use of transportation resources. Reduced emissions: By encouraging the use of public transportation, EasyBus may help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to more sustainable cities. Urban planning: By providing data and insights on transportation patterns, EasyBus may support urban planning and development that prioritizes sustainability and efficiency. Access to services: By connecting people with public transportation, EasyBus may increase access to essential services, such as healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

EasyBus, as a transportation software application, contributes to Climate Action (SDG 13) in the following ways: Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: By promoting the use of public transportation, EasyBus may decrease the number of private vehicles on the road, leading to lower emissions and reduced carbon footprint. Encouraging sustainable transportation: By providing a platform for bus companies to showcase their eco-friendly fleets, EasyBus may incentivize the adoption of cleaner fuels and more sustainable transportation options. Data-driven insights: By analyzing transportation patterns and emissions, EasyBus may provide valuable data to support climate action and sustainable urban planning. Supporting low-emission zones: EasyBus may help cities establish low-emission zones by promoting public transportation and encouraging the use of cleaner vehicles.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

2

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

EasyBus, as a transportation software application, contributes to Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) in the following ways: Collaboration with bus companies: EasyBus partners with bus companies to provide a platform for efficient transportation services. Integration with local governments: EasyBus may partner with local governments to support sustainable urban planning and transportation infrastructure development. Technology partnerships: EasyBus may collaborate with technology companies to enhance its platform and promote innovation in transportation. Stakeholder engagement: EasyBus engages with stakeholders, including passengers, bus companies, and governments, to ensure that its platform meets their needs and supports sustainable development.

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

4

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

5

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

2

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

3

05.08 Justification

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

The main potential competitors could be other bud ticket booking platforms which are currently non existent on the market.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Non so far but a future prospect for the company.