Business 6 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Student Uber Driver Turns Vacation into Shs450,000 Daily Hustle
21-year-old Bashil Hamis, a Senior Six graduate awaiting university, drives for six ride-hailing apps in Uganda, earning up to Shs450,000 on peak days after expenses. His story underscores the booming gig economy amid rising app adoption. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/business/prosper/wheels-of-ambition-a-student-s-story-5414442
Bashil Hamis, a 21-year-old Senior Six leaver studying Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics, is making the most of his 10-month wait for higher-technical college by driving for ride-hailing services in Kampala.
Instead of idling, he rented a car and registered with Uber, Safe Car, Farasi, Bolt, Little Agent, and Tinka. Each platform has unique perks: Uber leads the market but takes a 27 percent cut, while Farasi charges just 10 percent. Little Agent attracts corporate clients, and Safe Car competes on price.
To start, Hamis secured a smartphone, vehicle inspection, National ID, and a Shs78,000 Certificate of Good Conduct. On good days—especially rainy ones or airport runs to Entebbe—he nets Shs120,000 to Shs450,000 after costs.
Challenges abound, from rude passengers and traffic to night-time robberies and high commissions. Hamis adapts by multi-apping and targeting lucrative weekend trips. He plans to fund his studies and buy his own car with the earnings.
Uganda’s ride-hailing scene is thriving, with a 2024 Sagaci Research study showing 36 percent penetration—behind Kenya’s 46 percent but ahead of Tanzania’s 34 percent. SafeBoda, launched in 2014 with Google backing, leads via SafeCar and motorcycle services, edging out Uber and Bolt.
Hamis’s experience highlights gig work’s flexibility for youth, though he calls for fairer driver terms amid cancellations and competition.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)