A night on two wheels
By Deborah Mirembe
I negotiated a fare with a boda-boda rider near the Kubiri junction, where the incident unfolded.
Initially, I protested the boda rider's search for another passenger as we approached the Kalerwe roundabout.
Reluctantly, I agreed when an elderly man, approximately my father’s age, boarded the bike and sat behind me.
As we moved on, I started to feel that something was strange. Reaching the humps, the man surged and put his legs around mine. He was aroused.
Feeling trapped and praying for the journey to end swiftly, I finally reached my destination.
The man struggled to dismount the boda boda, highlighting the discomfort and distress I endured.
Someone could say that I seduced him, but I was decently dressed.
In a similar incident on a subsequent ride, I experienced the same uncomfortable situation.
This time, the boda rider noticed my discomfort and inquired about the issue.
Upon learning about the harassment, he advised me to always speak up immediately in such situations, suggesting that I demand the rider to stop and either the offending passenger disembark or I would.
Empowered by this advice, I vowed never to remain silent again. I now insist on paying the full fare to ensure no additional passengers are picked up, especially male passengers unless he is my partner or someone I know.
Whenever I see a woman sitting in between two men on a boda I recall the incident that happened to me.
Speak, don't keep quiet.
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As told to Deborah Mirembe
