lifestyle 26 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)

Amputee Student Navigates Kampala's Nights as Motorcycle Courier

Godfrey Tindyebwa, a 29-year-old amputee and computer science student, sustains himself by working as a motorcycle courier at night, using a custom hand-operated stick to manage the gears. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/from-medical-tragedy-to-night-rider-how-amputee-godfrey-tindyebwa-is-steering-his-own-destiny-5510560

Nighttime along Bukoto-Ntinda road in Kampala sees Godfrey Tindyebwa, 29, skillfully navigating his motorcycle. To the casual observer, he’s just another rider, but Tindyebwa, who lost his leg after a botched malaria injection led to bone marrow cancer and subsequent amputation in 2016, uses a specially designed hand stick to operate his motorcycle’s gears.

By day, Tindyebwa attends classes for his Certificate in Computer Science at YMCA Kampala. By night, he works as a courier, earning money to cover his tuition fees and living expenses. His medical journey began in 2006, and he faced significant financial hardship, having to cover a medical bill of nearly Shs20 million himself, as his father provided no support.

Seeking self-sufficiency after his recovery, Tindyebwa took out a loan to purchase a motorcycle for food deliveries. He specifically works at night to reduce the chances of accidents in Kampala’s chaotic daytime traffic. However, his precarious livelihood was threatened again on December 27 last year when his bike’s lights failed, causing him to crash into a pothole, resulting in a fractured skull and further medical debt.

Despite these significant challenges, Tindyebwa remains driven. He is currently seeking an internship in computer science for September and aspires to eventually transition to a four-wheeled vehicle. He hopes that with a donated automatic car, he could establish his own Uber or delivery service, offering a more stable future and a chance to significantly improve his financial situation.