#COVID19 Heroes: Robert Kakooza, a boda boda (motorcycle) rider with a hearing impairment

Robert Kakooza got our attention after a post about him started to make rounds on social media (the post has over 970 reactions). A customer posted about an incident where Robert was not able to deliver a client’s food because of the lockdown but rather than take it for himself, he decided to deliver it the next day at no cost to the customer. His honesty and work ethic is admirable especially in these times of uncertainty and scarcity.

We caught up with him in an interview to capture his story.

How long have you been a boda man?

For 2 years since 2018. I started with an old motorcycle but it was disturbing me a lot. So I sold it, then borrowed money from a Kenyan friend, topped it up and bought the boda I am riding now. It is brand new and I bought it at 5 million Uganda shillings.

How has coronavirus changed your work?

Coronavirus has changed all areas of my life. On a personal note, it has taught me to always prepare for calamities and problems like these. Regarding my work, of course it has changed the way I work. I work less hours than I used to do before the lockdown. I now carry only goods/food since the government stopped transporting people. But I wouldn’t have survived if I didn’t become innovative. Most of my deals are for picking and delivering food. People send me a message to pick and deliver their food. Recently, I have started transporting household items of people shifting from one place to another since they are being affected by the lockdown. I have also helped some expectant mothers; taking and bringing them from hospital to meet appointments since they don’t have means of travel. Coronavirus has also taught me to work on time. I have endeavored to serve my customers with speed, trust, and humility, well understanding the situation we are in.

What do you like best about your work?

Well, what gives me pleasure in my work especially in this period is that I have been able to help the vulnerable with food deliveries. I love that my business is inspiring other Deaf persons who otherwise think it’s a tough job. This job also gives me control and the independence I need as a Deaf person. It also gives me an opportunity to own an asset (my motorcycle). Also, of course if I was doing another job, you never know it would have been closed but mine was not stopped – only limited. So I’m happy I can at least still work.

Do you have many repeat customers? (Customers that call you for your services after your first encounter with them)

Yes! I have very many of them. Like Kayiwa in Kamwokya, he always calls me to pick foodstuffs from his shop and deliver food to different people. There are other people of course, and this is due to the name I have made for my brand as being fast, trustworthy, and humble in my work. Sometimes, they give more money than I charge, and am always humbled and empowered to continue giving the best boda boda service.

How are you keeping safe from contracting coronavirus because of your work?

I protect myself by wearing a face mask, washing my hands often, and practicing social distancing. I also avoid touching my face. I have a disinfectant and sanitizer which I move around with as I work.

Need a trustworthy, reliable boda boda service around Kampala? Contact Robert today! On 0703637711.