Riding Against the Norm: Sarah’s Story
When you see Sarah Nakitto weaving through the bustling streets of Kampala on her motorcycle, you’re witnessing something extraordinary. In a city where boda bodas—motorcycle taxis—are everywhere, Sarah stands out. Not because of her speed or her bike, but because she’s defying a deeply ingrained social norm: she’s a woman in a male-dominated industry. Her name is Nakitto Sarah, and she’s proving that courage and determination can shatter stereotypes.
Sarah, a 28-year-old single mother of two, grew up in the suburbs of Kampala. Like many women in her community, she was expected to follow a traditional path—marry young, raise children, and rely on a husband for financial support. But life had other plans. When her marriage ended, Sarah found herself struggling to provide for her children. Jobs were scarce, and the few available paid too little to make ends meet. One day, while waiting for a boda boda to take her to the market, Sarah had an idea. “Why can’t I do this?” she thought. Boda boda riding was a thriving business in Kampala, but it was almost exclusively male. The idea of a woman riding a motorcycle, let alone working as a boda boda driver, was met with skepticism and even ridicule. But Sarah? She wasn’t having it.
With no prior experience, Sarah approached a friend who owned a motorcycle and asked him to teach her how to ride. It wasn’t easy. At first, she struggled to balance the heavy bike, and the stares and whispers from onlookers made her doubt herself. But Sarah persisted. She practiced every day, often late at night when the streets were quieter, until she mastered the skills needed to navigate Kampala’s chaotic traffic. When she finally got her own motorcycle, Sarah faced a new set of challenges. Many customers refused to ride with her, questioning her ability to drive safely. Some even laughed or made derogatory comments. But Sarah didn’t let their doubts stop her. She focused on providing excellent service—driving carefully, being polite, and always ensuring her passengers felt safe. Slowly, word began to spread: there was a woman boda boda rider in town, and she was good at her job.
Sarah’s success didn’t just change her life—it inspired others. Women in her community began to see her as a role model, someone who had dared to challenge societal norms and carve out a space for herself in a male-dominated field. Some even approached her for lessons, eager to follow in her footsteps. But Sarah’s impact went beyond gender. She became a symbol of resilience and determination, showing that anyone—regardless of their background or circumstances—could achieve their dreams with hard work and perseverance. Her story resonated with people across Kampala, sparking conversations about gender equality and the need to break down barriers that hold women back.
Of course, Sarah’s journey hasn’t been without its struggles. She’s faced harassment, discrimination, and even threats from those who felt threatened by her success. But she’s also found allies—men and women who support her and believe in her mission. In 2022, Sarah was recognized by a local women’s empowerment organization for her courage and contribution to challenging gender stereotypes. The award came with a small grant, which she used to buy a second motorcycle and hire another woman to work with her.
Today, Sarah is not just a boda boda rider—she’s a trailblazer. She dreams of starting a training program for women who want to enter the industry, providing them with the skills and confidence they need to succeed. “I want to show women that they can do anything,” she says. “If I can ride a boda boda, they can too.”
Sarah’s story is a testament to the power of courage and determination. She may not have set out to change the world, but by defying social norms and pursuing her dreams, she’s inspiring others to do the same. As she rides through the streets of Kampala, Sarah is a living reminder that barriers are meant to be broken—and that sometimes, all it takes is one person to show the way