By Our Reporter
He has been elusive to many. But we have finally managed to locate the first ever SafeBoda rider. He is a lively young man, with a charming smile. We had a chat with him about his journey thus far as a SafeBoda rider and here are the excerpts:
Tell us a bit about yourself
My name is Moses Musinguzi. I was born in Kasese, and I am 29 years old.
I completed my senior six at City High school in 2009, but couldn’t continue with further studies because university tuition was very high. I could not manage to support myself, so I instead decided to use my savings to start a business, and I later ended up as a bodaboda rider.
I am the first ever SafeBoda rider; you can call me SafeBoda 01.
What were you doing before SafeBoda?
Before joining SafeBoda, I was a business man.
I joined the BodaBoda industry in 2007 as a motorcycle mechanic. I also used to monitor my father’s Bodaboda business; he used to give out motorcycles on lease, and I was in charge of collecting the payment.
I later opened up my own motorcycle spare parts shop. But, in 2013, the business collapsed and that’s how I ended up as a Bodaboda rider.
How did you end up with SafeBoda?
Early 2014, I ran into a former client of mine for whom I used to repair motorcycles, who also happened to be the co-founder SafeBoda, Ricky Thomson. He told me about his idea, and I liked it because he told me that it would improve the image of the Bodaboda industry.
He told me that we were going to be provided with two helmets and reflector jackets, and then we would build a community of like-minded riders, gain people’s trust, and make it a premium service.
Having dropped out of school, I wanted to associate with a brand that would make me proud among my former colleagues hence I decided to work with safeboda.
What has the journey been like for you?
It has been as exciting as it has been challenging.
I joined safeBoda in 2014 as the onboarding officer and was charged with interviewing, training and recruiting riders. In 2015, I became the Driver Technology manager and was helping trouble shoot any problems riders had with using the SafeBoda platform. I later went on to join the driver engagement and support team which is about maintaining riders on the platform. But because the numbers have grown, we split up driver engagement and support and I am now leading the driver support team.
All this time, I have been a part time SafeBoda rider and also employee. But I am finally resting my motorcycle to become a full time employee.
I will miss being an active Bodaboda rider. I used to love meeting all those amazing people, but I have to specialize now and work on my personal goals. Although I will not be in the field, I will still continue to serve them indirectly.
What has been your biggest challenges as a SafeBoda rider?
My biggest challenge so far has been harassment from other riders who have not embraced the platform. Mostly the harassment has been verbal. For instance, when we stop at the traffic lights they hurl insults at you as they tell you to get out of their way. They see us as traitors because we offer low fares to customers.
What have been your biggest achievements as a SafeBoda rider?
With SafeBoda, I have learnt to be more professional. For instance, I have be trained on how to handle customers better, received first aid training and also learnt how to interact with technology.
Because of SafeBoda, I also no longer have to hide from my former school colleagues because I am no longer seen as a failure and this makes me proud.
Finally, I have also managed to construct a fully furnished 3-bedroom house, and I am also paying school fees for my kids.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I am planning to go back to school and complete university where I will pursue a Bachelor’s degree in data science or project planning and management. My dream is to become a renowned data analyst.
My second goal is to reestablish my old business, which I will run parallel with new position at SafeBoda.
What is your advice to fellow SafeBoda riders?
My advice to fellow riders is to stay away from things that consume their income. They should learn how to save and invest. They can always take on investments which are not high risk for example investing in another motorcycle.
Secondly, they should learn to treat customers better and abide by the SafeBoda rules so that they can stay on the platform which allows them to earn more.