Mugabonimana Dionyse is a young man working as a bicycle taxi rider in Bugesera District. He asserts that this work currently earns him a significant income and has helped him build himself up.
At 22 years old, he lives in Kayenzi Village, Kayumba Cell, Nyamata Sector, Bugesera District. In an interview with KURA, he shared that riding a bicycle in Nyamata City earns him between 4,000 Frw and 7,000 Frw a day, and this has allowed him to achieve a lot in a short period of time.
He explained that bicycles are one of the most sought-after services in the city, with many people either hailing them for rides or using them to transport goods.
“I start working at 6 a.m. and begin transporting people by 9 a.m. until around 1:30 p.m., and I earn at least 1,000 to 1,500 Frw depending on what I am transporting. After that, I take a child to school, and the family pays me 25,000 Frw per month. Then, I continue looking for other opportunities to make money.”
Mugabonimana mentioned that when he makes less, he earns about 4,000 Frw and still manages to get by. On market days, he can make up to 7,000 Frw or even more, as the demand for rides increases significantly with more customers.
The young man shared that he started riding a bicycle two years ago but believes it is a job that can sustain you and help you achieve a lot if you set clear goals and avoid wasting money on alcohol.
“Riding a bicycle can take you far if you put in the effort and save your money. We work here every day, earning good money. The problem is that many people spend their earnings on alcohol because they expect to earn more every day. I started by borrowing a bicycle, but now I have my own, and I plan to get a motorcycle once I obtain the necessary permits.”
Mugabonimana mentioned that he has already started saving through savings groups and plans to buy a new motorcycle with the income from his bicycle work. He aims to purchase it as soon as he gets the legal documents to operate it.
He advised his peers, who quickly squander their earnings on alcohol, to think carefully about their spending habits.
“There are jobs that people look down on, but if done well, they can sustain you. For example, bicycle taxi riding brings in good money, but many people misuse it. Electricians, builders, and other young people often spend their money recklessly. Saving instead of spending can be very beneficial. I want to show them that it’s possible to achieve more.”
Mugabonimana concluded that once he obtains the necessary documents, he plans to buy a motorcycle and use it efficiently, with the dream of driving a car in the next five years.
