Breaking Barriers: Fort Portal city women defying norms and accelerating success in the male-dominated world of motorcycle riding

BY; HOPE LEONTINA.

In a Society where cultural norms often dictate that certain jobs and roles are reserved for men, Ms. Asiimwe Margret has shattered gender norms and stereotypes with the roar of a motorcycle engine.

For the past 19 years, the 42-year-old mother of three has defied societal expectations by navigating the bustling streets of Fort Portal City astride her trusty boda boda.

Her journey into this unconventional job began in 2001, a time when she decided to challenge the notion that women couldn’t ride a boda boda, let alone thrive, in an industry dominated by men.

Before her boda boda days, Ms Asiimwe embarked on a quest for employment in Kampala after dropping out of school in 2001.

Her first job landed her in the chaotic realm of the old Taxi Park in Kampala, where she worked as a tout. Despite the hustle, her earnings were meager, with a commission of Shs 500 per customer.

A day’s hard work translated into a modest income ranging from Shs 5000 to Shs 10,000. However, it was a realization that struck her like lightning – the male boda boda riders were ranking in significantly more money each day.

In a bold move that would reshape her destiny, Ms Asiimwe transitioned from being a tout to becoming a pioneer in a traditionally male-dominated field of riding boda boda.

Her resilience, determination, and the rhythmic hum of her motorcycle have become symbols of a paradigm shift, illustrating that women can not only ride motorcycles but also thrive in a business once exclusively ruled by men.

“When I ventured into Kampala, I took on the role of a tout for a while. However, the job was financially unrewarding, and despite my aspirations to become a driver, I was never promoted. Frustrated with the stagnant career prospects, I made the courageous decision to trade the bustling taxi park for the thrill of riding a motorcycle. The journey to join this male-dominated space was far from easy,” Ms Asiimwe recounted.

To master the art of riding a boda boda, Ms Asiimwe dedicated her evenings to learning. After her daytime job, at around 5 pm, she invested in fuel and paid Shs 5,000 to the person patiently teaching her. During weekends were intensive learning sessions, spending entire days with the motorcycle. In just a few weeks, she transformed from a learner to a confident rider.

Ms Asiimwe emphasized that, initially, she didn’t own a motorcycle, and instead, she would rent one from a friend at Shs 10,000 per day, returning it by evening and said on her inaugural day as a boda boda rider, she earned Shs 15,000. As the week unfolded, her customer base grew, and soon she was making around Shs 50,000 on a peak day with many customers.

Within a year, her determination and hard work bore fruit as she saved about Shs 4 million. In 2012, she used a significant portion of her savings, Shs 3.5 million, to purchase her motorcycle.

“During that time, my desire for greater financial success led me to join a security company. I worked night shifts while riding my motorcycle during the day. Later, the company transferred me to Mbarara district, and undeterred, I took my motorcycle with me, seamlessly continuing my dual role,” She said.

During her initial two months in Mbarara town, Ms Asiimwe faced a challenging period where turning a profit proved elusive, and being the only woman in the area, building trust with customers at the stage was an uphill battle amidst stiff competition from men on the stage. The unfamiliarity of the territory compounded her struggles, making it difficult for patrons to readily rely on her services.

To enhance her income-generating potential, she made a strategic decision to part ways with the security company choosing to fully immerse herself in motorcycle riding, and she dedicated the next seven years to perfecting her craft in Rugazi, Mbarara.

Despite the initial hurdles, her persistence began to pay off, carving out a niche for herself in the competitive landscape.

In 2014, after a substantial stint in Mbarara, Ms Asiimwe decided to return to Fort Portal City.

Her comeback was met with disbelief from the locals, astonished that a woman was not only riding a motorcycle but doing so with determination.

In a bold move to solidify her presence, she invested Shs 1 million in acquiring a second motorcycle. To establish herself in the market, she initially focused on transporting produce to local markets, a strategic move that quickly garnered attention and recognition.

By 2015, Ms Asiimwe took another significant step by paying a stage fee of Shs 500,000 at Harukoto along the Fort Portal-Kasese road. This decision, she emphasized, has been pivotal, opening numerous doors for increased earnings. The stage became a gateway to expanded opportunities, firmly establishing Ms Asiimwe as a formidable force in the male-dominated world of boda boda riding.

“After gaining the trust of many customers who entrusted me with their belongings, I started seeing substantial returns. On a good day, my take-home income ranged from Shs 30,000 to Shs 50, 000,” She said.

Expressing gratitude for the opportunities the boda boda business provided her, she remarked, “I owe everything I have to ride boda boda. I’ve acquired a plot of land in Fort Portal City, constructed rental rooms, paid my children’s school fees, bought land in Bushesi, Kabahango village in Bunyangabu district for cultivation, and established a stall named Huta Huta in Kabundaire market.”

In 2019, Ms Asiimwe extended her success by mentoring 25 fellow women in Fort Portal City and Kabarole district. She took the initiative to mobilize and establish a women’s association, where she currently serves as the chairperson. The association, through collective efforts, saves Shs 20,000 monthly for each member or more.

With her accumulated savings, Ms Asiimwe expanded her ventures by acquiring approximately 10 goats. Her success has not only been financial but has also provided her the opportunity to connect with influential figures in the country.

In 2020, she had encounters with Gen Salim Saleh, and during the Rwenzori Investment Expo at Mountain of the Moon University in January 2020, President Museveni sat proudly on her boda boda and promised to support her group with Shs 10 million. 

However, she expressed disappointment, stating, “To date, I have not seen that money.”

Among those inspired by Ms. Asiimwe is Ms Kabatoro Tedy Akiiki, a 37-year-old who has spent approximately 8 years in the boda boda business.

Ms Kabatoro faced her share of challenges, enduring skepticism from both men and women who deemed the job fit only for men. Undeterred by societal expectations, she persevered, determined to make her mark in the industry.

“The path was not easy; many people, including fellow women, used to despise me, claiming this job was meant for men. But I paid no heed to their judgments and continued with the business,” She said.

Like Ms Asiimwe, she began her journey by renting a motorcycle from a friend. On her first day, she earned Shs 25,000, paid Shs 10,000 to the motorcycle owner, and saved the remaining balance.

Differing from her mentor, Ms Kabatoro often prefers night shifts due to initial difficulties in paying stage fees. She utilized her nights before entering the boda boda industry by selling food on the streets of Fort Portal and interacting with boda boda riders, who were her primary customers, provided her the opportunity to learn how to ride.

As a mother of three, with the eldest in primary six and the youngest in primary three, Ms Kabatoro, who is married, has become the breadwinner of her household through her motorcycle-riding endeavors.

While at work, she wears sports jackets and a helmet, causing many to mistake her for a man until they engage in conversation with her.

Ms Kabatoro acknowledged the misconceptions surrounding her physical stature, saying, “I am a small woman but tall, so I confuse some customers. However, I have escaped being targeted by thieves three times. Despite the misconception that I am not strong enough, I am sharp and can easily detect strange people,”

To navigate potential risks, she employs a strategic tactic of purchasing second-hand motorcycles, recognizing that thieves often target those with brand-new bikes.

Ms Kabatoro Teddy Akiiki’s husband is supportive of her nighttime boda boda work, often opening the door quietly when she returns late, showing understanding and encouragement.

“Before I leave home for work at night, I first prepare food for my children and husband,” she shared, emphasizing her commitment to both her family and her job. With her dedication, Ms Kabatoro has achieved significant milestones, now owning two motorcycles purchased from her accumulated savings.

This accomplishment holds great significance for her, considering she started her journey by riding motorcycles owned by others. “As a woman, you remain a woman. I worked throughout my pregnancy, wearing my jacket and helmet until a few weeks before delivery.”

In addition to her achievements, Ms Kabatoro highlighted the collaborative efforts within their association through collective savings and support, they assist each other when needed.  She also mentioned their successful engagement with the government’s UWEP program, securing three new motorcycles. Some members obtained additional motorcycles through a loan, which has been fully repaid.

Offering advice to others, Ms Kabatoro echoed the sentiment of her mentor, Ms. Asiimwe, emphasizing the importance of avoiding job disdain, especially in the face of high unemployment rates. “People should not sit at home, especially women, waiting for their husbands to provide. They can venture out and work,” she asserted.

Reflecting on her own experience, she encouraged women to join the industry, even if they could not ride motorcycles, suggesting alternative roles like brickmaking. “When I started riding a motorcycle, many people told me I would not succeed. However, over the years, I have acquired some properties that some men don’t have. My fellow women should join us and help the industry grow. For those who cannot ride, there are other opportunities, like making bricks,” Ms Asiimwe said.

Ms. Asiimwe and Ms Kabatoro’s stories mirror hundreds of other women across the country who are breaking gender norms and can lead to personal success and contribute to the growth of unconventional industries.