Uganda: Boda boda rider breaks taboos

Taxi driver enters man's world - 2nd May 2022

Allen Kisakye Butundu, is one of the first women 'boda boda' drivers in Uganda. She wants other women to become motorbike taxi drivers like her. The journey hasn't been easy for Butundu because in Uganda, men usually drive taxis.

At first, people used to shout at her or chase her. She didn't like her neighbours seeing her. She'd never worn trousers before. She used to put on her trousers and helmet away from the house.

Two years ago, she made the decision to learn to drive. 27 year old Butundu used to be a social worker. She wanted to get around easily and cheaply for her work.

But her husband "refused completely" to teach her, so Butundu just stopped boda boda riders on the street. She offered them money to teach her. Finally, her husband changed his mind and he paid for her first bike.

Last year, Butundu started working for the SafeBoda taxi company. She earns up to £10 a day and she's extremely happy with her employer. The company trains its drivers and makes sure they're safe. SafeBoda employs about 26,000 people.

Butundu wants to change people's attitude. She wants other women in Uganda to consider this job as well.