A symbol of pride: how colour transformed Kawempe

 

In Kawempe, Kampala, a once-neglected wall has become a bold symbol of pride and possibility. Between October and November 2025, WasteAid — under the Bunzl WastePreneur Challenge – Uganda — joined hands with local leaders, youth, and waste entrepreneurs to turn waste education into public art.

The Community Waste Education Mural Initiative used creativity to inspire cleaner habits, recycling, and collective action. What began as a clean-up became a movement — transforming rubbish into colour and community pride.

Art, Awareness, and Action

Led by muralist Ssessanga Alex (Alexx Page), the project started with neighbourhood consultations, where residents shaped the mural’s theme and colours — green for renewal, blue for cleanliness, and yellow for optimism.

Before any paint hit the wall, over 140 volunteers cleared waste from the area.

“We cleaned before the painting began because change must start from the ground up.”
— Arthur, Community Member

Through painting sessions and waste education talks, residents, youth, and wastepreneurs worked side by side, turning the space into a shared classroom and canvas.

“WasteAid and Bunzl came at the right time. Their approach of using art to educate is both creative and impactful.”
— Ashraf Semogerere, LC Official

 

Colouring a Cleaner Future

Under Alexx Page’s mentorship, four young volunteers learned mural techniques and environmental messaging, leaving behind not only a wall of art but a legacy of learning.

“Every brushstroke came from a story told by residents. We didn’t just paint a mural — we painted a movement.”
— Alexx Page, Artist

The mural — now a local landmark in Kawempe Kuttano — features a weeping globe, recycling arrows, and images of green growth, reminding everyone that waste has value.

“Every time I ride past the mural, I’m reminded that keeping Kampala clean starts with me.”
— Imran Atukunda, Boda Boda Rider

Impact and Inspiration

• One large-scale clean-up cleared more than 20 waste heaps.
• Around 140 participants took part — 35% women, 40% youth.
• Four young artists trained in mural art and waste awareness.
• Local pride and ownership visibly strengthened.

The mural’s message — “Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Repeat.” — now echoes through daily life in Kawempe, inspiring residents to keep their neighbourhoods clean and thriving.

A Lasting Legacy

The Kawempe mural stands as more than just colour on concrete — it’s a story of transformation told by the community itself. Through art, WasteAid and Bunzl have helped residents see that waste can be wealth, and that lasting change begins with collective action.