For nearly three decades, Albert Kabagema has been part of Kampala’s heartbeat — navigating the city’s traffic, ferrying passengers to work, and keeping life in motion from the bustling Nakawa Stage. Kind, humble, and soft-spoken, Albert is one of those rare drivers whose smile is as familiar as the sound of a taxi conductor calling out destinations.
Albert’s story is one of grit and grace. When his father could no longer afford school fees, he dropped out of school — but not out of ambition. Determined to rewrite his story, he began doing menial jobs before finding work as a taxi conductor. Even then, he dreamt of more. Guided by perseverance and faith, he started learning how to drive, and in 1995, Albert finally got behind the wheel. He has never looked back.
“I’ve been in this business for a long time and I love it,” Albert says. “It’s helped me build a home, buy two plots of land, and educate my children. I didn’t get the chance to finish school, but I’ve made sure my kids do.”
His resilience and humility captured the attention of Uganda Waragi, whose So UG So 60 campaign is celebrating everyday Ugandans who embody the true spirit of the nation. As part of the celebration, Albert was surprised with a fuel voucher worth one million shillings — a timely boost for his business.
“This is a great boost to my work,” Albert said with gratitude. “With the increase in fuel prices during this festive season, this gift will save me a great deal. I’m very grateful because I can now save the money I used for fuel and work toward buying another taxi.”
Speaking at the handover ceremony at Nakawa Taxi Stage, Hillary Baguma, Brand Manager for Mainstream Spirits at Uganda Breweries, explained why Albert’s story stood out.
“Albert represents the true Ugandan spirit — hardworking, hopeful, and determined,” Baguma said. “His journey from driving someone else’s taxi to owning his own is deeply inspirational. As Uganda Waragi, we want to shine a light on people like him who make a real difference, even when they’re not in the spotlight.”
Beyond marking 60 years as Uganda’s most beloved spirit, Uganda Waragi’s campaign is a celebration of the people who keep Uganda moving — literally and figuratively. For Albert Kabagema, it is a reminder that every journey, no matter how humble its beginning, deserves to be celebrated.
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