A Kampala driver on what Uber got wrong
On 2 September, Uber shut down in Uganda and Nigeria with immediate effect. Our research team in Kampala went to find out what that looked like from the driver's seat.
Emmanuel drove for Uber in Kampala for two and a half years. The end came as a message during a working day. "We were still working that day," he told us, "and by night it was gone." Nobody had prepared him for it. He went home, because there was no way to earn that afternoon. The next morning he registered with Faras, Bolt and SafeCar and went back out.
We asked him what Uber never understood about driving in this city. He gave us three things, and one question.
"Why did we have to pay so much commission?"
He asked it as a real question. Nobody had ever answered it.
Why we are sharing this
Our team has been talking to riders and drivers across Kampala since the start of the year. Most of what they tell us never makes the news. This week it did, and we wanted one of those voices on record while it is still fresh.
Nothing about the shutdown changes the daily reality of moving through this city. The riders still need to get home. The drivers still need to earn. Emmanuel was back on the road the next morning, on three other apps. Nobody in Kampala waits for a company to decide when they work.
If you drove for Uber in Kampala or Lagos
We are building for you, and we want to hear how the last week has actually been. The Driver Assessment takes three minutes on WhatsApp.
Thanks to Emmanuel for his time and honesty, and to Timothy, Patricia and the team for getting there fast.
—
The Gendayo Team