Being a mobile stylist in Kampala is an extreme sport. Between the jam on Jinja Road, the dust, and the heat, showing up looking professional is a miracle. But the money? The money is good. Specially if you tap into the expat communities in Kololo and Naguru.
Here is how to secure the bag without losing your mind.
1. The "Zone Defense" Strategy
Rule #1: NEVER cross town during the day. If you book a client in Makindye at 10am and ntinda at 2pm, you are playing yourself.
Zone your week:
- Mon/Tue: Southern Bypass (Munyonyo, Makindye).
- Wed: Central (Kololo, Nakasero).
- Thu/Fri: Northern (Ntinda, Naalya).
Put this in your booking policy: "I am only in Ntinda on Thursdays." Clients will adjust.
2. The Boda Tax
You simply cannot take Ubers everywhere. You will be late. But you cannot arrive on a boda looking dusty. The Kit:
- Wear a dust coat or oversized shirt over your uniform.
- Helmet hair is real—wear a silk bonnet under the helmet.
- Wipes. Pack wet wipes. Wipe your shoes before you enter the client's house.
3. The "Premium Travel Fee"
If a client demands you come at 5pm (peak jam), the price goes up. Call it a "Peak Hour Surcharge". Uber does it. You should too. "For appointments between 4pm-7pm, a 50k UGX surcharge applies." Watch how fast they find a 1pm slot.
4. Safety in numbers
Share your live location. Always. If you use Miali, your calendar is visible to your chosen "Safety Contact" (a feature we recommend). Always take a deposit. Scammers don't pay deposits.
Conclusion
Kampala clients need you. They hate traffic more than you do. They will pay for the convenience. Just make sure you aren't paying for it with your sanity.
Organize your routes. Miali helps you block out travel time so you don't overbook. Get free account.