Women headlining Technological innovations and sectors is no longer a myth as many have now put their abilities to task. While Uber has a couple of female drivers registered on its taxi hailing service. Safeboda’s variant of registered drivers is limited to a single female driver who rocks Kampala streets with her 1166 rider helmet number to the Bike front.
Safeboda is one of the most popular and ride hailing service in Uganda as other ride hailing services have also rolled out a Boda option to their fresh new apps. 
Back to celebrating the international women’s day. Women in ride hailing services deserve a special dose of appreciation as they’re rare species to come across. Sitting to the back of Safeboda’s Naume is more of a dream come true, Given the steadiness and the traffic dodging skills all under control by the only female driver currently registered to the service. Interacting with the female rider was a conversation juiced up with laughter and wonder of how she has managed to cop up with competition from male drivers.
TechJaja: Hello Naume, What inspired you to join Safeboda?
Naume: Safeboda is that one app all my friends have praised for its great driver hospitality. I basically joined Safeboda because of the new technology revolution compared to my colleagues who don’t see the direction our Boda Boda business is taking.
TechJaja: When Did you first sit behind a 2 Wheel Motorbike
Naume: Funny question. I first rode a motorbike in the year 2008 after trashing my full time job as a security personnel with one of the most popular security agencies. Meaning I have spent 10 years riding motorcycles around Kampala.
TechJaja: Are you married? Or having any children to look after?
Naume: Yes, I am married with 2 kids with my biggest joy being the fact that I don’t rent but instead built my own house with funds from the Boda Boda business. Therefore My 2 daughters have a bright future ahead of my ever booming career.
TechJaja: Speaking of your Career, Do you have any side income sources?
Naume: I am a businesswoman meaning if you don’t find me on a motorbike. You will either find me with my family or attending to my riders who bring in an extra shilling in addition to my daily earnings.
TechJaja: For how long have you worked with SafeBoda
Naume: Not for long. Its less than a year but I’ve had an amazing experience with the app since its a hustle free easy to use service. More so, I am never worried about anonymous riders since they all have their identities registered with SafeBoda. Thus am always comfortable while driving a Safeboda rider than any anonymous rider.
TechJaja: Have you faced any challenges while working with SafeBoda.
Naume: My biggest challenge is that you invest in more to pick up a client who at times may disappoint you by switching off their phone. It’s very hectic to invest in my fuel to pick up clients who in most cases are also far. For instance, I drive from my Kamwokya stage but I get requests from clients in Kisasi or Ntinda. Meaning I invest in more fuel to pick up the rider.
TechJaja: Cutting the long story short. Do you believe these new ride-hailing services in Uganda will redefine the way people travel?
Naume: Yes, I believe ride-hailing services are a fast rising means of transport. As much as Safeboda was the first Boda service everyone got to know about, we as registered riders benefit more from these apps since many people have grown interest in dodging traffic jam the Safer way.
A few Colleagues of mine have registered for Taxify boda and Mondo boda because these services are cheaper when it comes to the recruitment process. Otherwise, all these are great services and we believe everyone will adapt to the new revolution in future.
TechJaja: Lastly, Who is Naume and What advise do you have for any female riders in Kampala.
Naume: Naume is a Boda Boda rider and the only female rider representing the orange brand Safeboda. You can find me at my usual Boda Stage off Kira road on Kenneth Dale drive just before the Police station.
By the way, I am a kapo, you have definitely seen me shining on the giant Shell billboards. You can always support me by entering my helmet number 1166 in your Safeboda app for a chance to be driven by me.
My advice to fellow ladies doing the same business is simple. Let they embrace the new virtual transport apps, they will benefit a lot and will have confidence in challenging critics.
