Taxify eyes bigger market

Kampala, Uganda | JULIUS BUSINGE | Julian Byamugisha is the Head of Taxify Uganda, which also operates in 23 other countries globally. She spoke to The Independent’s Julius Businge about company operations

What has business been like for the last six months you have been in operation?

We have moved people in thousands in Kampala and Wakiso where we currently operate. We grow two times almost every month. But what is important to note is that the company operates in 23 countries globally. We are a ride-hailing app for ordering rides that are quick, safe and affordable. When we launched in October 2017, we registered all vehicles as long as they were in good working condition and comfortable to travel in. We quickly realised that we were missing a portion in the transportation section which was bodaboda so in February, we launched boda rides and then in April, we launched another feature called XL that separates six seater cars from the regular four seater cars to provide more convenience for our clients.

For starters, how do I take your ride; how do I ride others?

For one to become our customer, they only need to download our application from the play store or the apple store and signup by creating an account and following the prompts. Over 90% of our trips are cash at the moment. Customers prefer that mode. For drivers, they have to do the same to sign up with a different Taxify application. They will be asked for basic information, name, car details, valid drivers’ license, a profile picture, national ID or passport, third party insurance for the car. When that is done, we get in touch with them, train them, and guide them accordingly. Drivers who have knowledge on how this business works, a day is enough for one to become our driver. We rarely take vehicles manufactured below 2000. We can be lenient with you when you come with one that is older than that but when it is in a very good condition.

Why should one choose Taxify and not the other means?

Our fares are 50% cheaper than the market rate right now. For an excel car [Super custom] you will pay Shs900 per kilometer, Shs200 per minute, and you will find it cheaper to use a Super Custom with friends to go to places like Entebbe. The country has become very insecure because of kidnap and murder cases, and theft. Should a driver be involved in any criminal offense, we can assist the authorities with the information to get them anytime.

How has the service been received by the public?

Most of the people using Taxify are the young generation. From the drivers perspective it was easy because there was a player in the market and they [drivers] knew how the business operates. We take a much smaller commission compared to our competitors. We are happy with most drivers because their experience in this market has helped us build this business. We don’t care about the number of drivers we have. What is important to us is that they are doing a good job.

Are there risks you worry about in this trade?

Like any other business, ours has risks. One big risk is on security. But for us we are big on this. We are working on partnering with strong safety providers to ensure the safety of both our drivers and clients. Some Taxify countries like Nigeria and Kenya have safety measures we shall soon implement here. We have trained our drivers on emergence response.

What policy concerns would you raise to those in power to deal with in this sector?

There are concerns related to bad road networks upcountry, internet connectivity, and congestion in the city. I think security is what we need. We also notice there is price fluctuation for fuel which makes our business unpredictable. Also the price of data has reduced but it still remains expensive.

What is your comment on government’s proposed move to ban importation of cars manufactured before 2011?

I think the reasons government is giving are that these cars are not in good mechanical condition, damage the roads and pollute the environment. If those are the reasons, I don’t think it is a valid move because these cars are inspected before they come in. It is true in some countries they don’t import cars that are over 10 years old and I think as a business we should start moving towards that direction unless one wants to buy a vintage car. That said we need to understand our market. Uganda is expensive to live in for Ugandans. So if government wants to ban importation of some cars, they should give us a comfortable alternative.

Where do you see the future of Taxify in Uganda in the coming years?

Taxify is not going anywhere. Our plan is to make sure we bring onboard any driver who wants to drive with us. We are going to continue to evolve and ensure we become a one stop-shop for transportation.

Lastly, how do you manage this business as a female manager?

A business like ours is predominantly a male industry. With my team here, I try to see to it that we work together on innovations. We ensure that trust, reliability and time management drive our work.