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Uber has launched its ride-sharing service in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, according to a statement released on Thursday. Kampala now joins the growing list of Uber’s smart transportation hubs in Africa such as Lagos, Abuja, Johannesburg and Mombasa.

“We’re really excited to be launching Uber in Kampala, a world-class African city,” said Alon Lits, General Manager for Uber Sub-Saharan Africa. “We are inspired by the city’s rapidly developing infrastructure and spirit of entrepreneurship and look forward to giving people in the city an affordable, easy and flexible choice to move around the city safely and reliably.”

Uber said it decided to launch its service in Kampala because of Uganda’s fast-growing economy and young population. The World Bank notes that Uganda has one of the world’s youngest populations, with 700,000 new people entering the workforce each year.

Uber is a technology company that connects riders and drivers. The company allows consumers with smartphones to use the Uber app to connect to licenced private drivers in a city. When a driver accepts a request, his or her first name, photo, and licenced number plate are seen by the customer. The driver and the customer can contact each other via the app to clarify pick-up details. Customers can also share their ride details, including the specific route and estimated time of arrival, with friends or family. All drivers undergo a screening process before they can use the Uber app.  

With its headquarters in San Francisco, Uber is now available in 462 cities across 71 countries. Uber’s platform allows riders to connect with drivers in real time, at the touch of a button. To celebrate its launch in Kampala, Uber said it will provide free rides to all Ugandans using its app between 1pm on Thursday and midnight on Sunday, 5 June, 2016.

“Kampala is a progressive, forward-thinking city that is ready for safe, reliable and efficient transportation and we are so excited to be launching here,” said Lits.