Meet Bonny. He’s conquering the chaos of Kampala

The sun blazes down on the crowded streets of Kampala. By midday, both the heat and the traffic have hit their peak. Bicycles, mopeds, cars, pedestrians, and roadside vendors all compete for space. It’s a swirl of movement, color, and sound. In the middle of it all, one color cuts through the chaos: the bright yellow of a DHL uniform.

It’s Bonny Sewankambo. The 36-year-old DHL Express courier appears calm and collected, meeting the vibrant chaos around him with a cheerful grin. He says nothing fazes him anymore. After a year on the job, he knows how to patiently steer himself and his delivery van through any crowd.

Bonny smiles a lot. He says getting this job was the best thing that could have happened to him. Why does he love his work so much? “Being a courier makes me visible,” he says. “So many people know me – and I know so many people, too.”

Interacting with others has always been a part of Bonny’s adult working life. He holds a degree in journalism and communication. He worked at a radio station and is a trained home care specialist. He takes pleasure in being courteous and kind and receiving kindness in return.

“As a DHL courier, I’m treated kindly,” he says. “People offer me water, and I have access to many places. It feels great.”

It’s clear that people and community make him happy, and he takes pride in his work. Bonny recalls one delivery that stood out. “I had a package for my former boss,” he says. “When he saw me at the gate, he immediately instructed security to let me in – without a thorough check. That made me proud.”

Security is commonplace in Kampala. Many private homes have high fences and heavy steel gates. The official addresses, such as embassies, hotels, and banks, have the most stringent screenings. Each time Bonny parks his vehicle, retrieves a package, and heads up to the gate, he expects a security check similar to those at airports. He takes it all in stride – and always with a smile.

“Hello Sir, I have a package for you!” he calls out, often through an intercom. He points his handheld scanner at the label on the box, producing the familiar beep known to all DHL couriers worldwide. The interaction with the security guard and the customer is friendly. It helps that he visits these locations along his route regularly. “Most people know me because I come here almost daily,” says Bonny with a smile.

The traffic in Kampala is another story. With high population density and narrow roads, Uganda’s capital is considered one of the most congested cities in Africa. Motorcycle taxis, known locally as boda bodas, are the most common mode of transport. Bonny commutes to work on one every day. They play a critical role in urban life in Uganda, providing quick, affordable, and flexible transportation for people, goods, and even small to medium-sized animals through the often-crowded city streets.

But they’re also unpredictable. “Boda boda drivers are a huge problem in traffic,” says Bonny. “They don’t follow the rules and often cause accidents.” So far, our yellow-clad courier has avoided one himself. Watching him expertly thread his vehicle through the gridlock, it’s easy to see why.

In the slender alleyways of central Kampala, heads turn as he drives by. People seem amazed as he maneuvers his vehicle through the packed streets. Bonny looks at ease, singing along to Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, and Coldplay on the radio. He talks casually about football, which is very popular in Uganda.

“People in Uganda are crazy about football,” he says. “I’m a Liverpool fan. Jürgen Klopp was a great coach,” he adds, giving a nod to his club’s former German coach. He grins, clearly aware that DHL Group’s global headquarters is in Germany. “Bayern Munich won the German league again, right?”

Bonny speaks openly about the future. Many faces we pass by are young – the average age in Uganda is just 15 years. Presidential elections are coming up in early 2026, and the current leader, Yoweri Museveni, who has been in office for nearly 40 years, may run for re-election. As the father of a six-year-old daughter, Bonny thinks it’s important to provide young people in the country with perspective. “We need progress,” he says. “But we also need the stability we’ve had.”

Bonny typically starts his day around 7:30 a.m. at the brand-new DHL Express hub in the upscale neighborhood of Kololo. On this Monday morning, stacks of packages and envelopes are already waiting for him and the nine other couriers on duty today. It’s the busiest day of the week.

“People place orders on the weekends; that’s why Mondays are so busy,” he explains while loading over 100 packages into his van. “It will take a bit longer today, but the hours balance out over the week.”

After making deliveries all morning, it’s time to head back to the hub around 1 p.m. When the schedule allows it, the team gathers to have lunch together. Bonny usually picks up something along the way. Today, it’s a “Rolex” – a rolled omelet wrapped in chapati bread that’s a street food favorite in Uganda: fast, cheap, and delicious.

Managers join them for lunch when time allows. Joseph Odole, General Manager of DHL Express Kampala, is with us today. He’s full of praise for his team but also honest about the challenges they face.

“Our most valuable asset is our people,” he says. “There are many jobs available, but the key to building trust and loyalty is supporting our people when they have questions and personal issues. We want everyone to feel a sense of belonging – that’s worth a lot.”

After a half-hour break, Bonny hits the road again. He has a few more deliveries to make. As he weaves between people and vehicles, his bright yellow uniform still stands out – a constant in the chaos of a city that never seems to stand still. But it doesn’t just make him visible. It’s a symbol of belonging – an identity that Bonny wears proudly and always with a grin.