Empowering Change: WasteAid’s Wastepreneur Programme Transforms Lives in Uganda

On 18th March 2025, the Fairway Hotel Kampala buzzed with energy as 28 determined Wastepreneurs took centre stage at the Uganda Wastepreneur Challenge Pitch Day. This inspiring event marked the culmination of a 15-week intensive training and mentoring programme, delivered by WasteAid in partnership with Bunzl Plc. The Wastepreneur Programme is designed to empower local female and youth waste entrepreneurs, turning waste recovery into thriving micro-businesses that boost local incomes and enhance community well-being.

A Transformational Journey

Participants were divided into three groups: Recyclers, Collectors, and Waste Pickers – each category showcasing innovative ideas to address local waste management challenges. From transforming PET waste into eco-friendly sewing threads to converting organic waste into biogas for cleaner cooking fuel, the Wastepreneur Programme has provided these individuals with the tools and confidence to turn everyday challenges into sustainable business opportunities.

Hellen Munyasa, a recycler and founder of Helton Traders, demonstrated her ingenuity by repurposing plastic waste into eco sewing threads. Drawing on a decade of experience in the textile industry, Hellen identified a market gap: Uganda imports 200 tons of sewing threads annually despite having a thriving network of over 1,000 textile traders. Her locally produced alternative not only reduces dependence on imports but also creates green jobs in her community.

Similarly, Amanda Natukunda, another standout recycler, has ventured into the production of biogas from organic waste. Motivated by personal experiences with the health hazards of traditional cooking fuels, Amanda’s eco-friendly model offers a cleaner and more sustainable energy source for families. Her vision to scale production through new machinery highlights the tangible impact of the programme’s training and mentoring support.

Building Community and Creating Opportunities

The impact of the Wastepreneur Programme extends far beyond business metrics. Nalongo Birungi Eva Nantongo, a collector and single mother of eight, has transformed her life through waste management. Once facing significant hardship upon returning to Uganda, she now not only supports her family but is also investing in her children’s education, proving that waste recovery can be a pathway out of poverty.

Collectors like Ali Kisano and Ibrahim Senono have also embraced the opportunity to formalise and scale their operations. Whether it’s through enhancing safety measures for waste collection from polluted water sources or improving storage and transport infrastructure, these entrepreneurs are creating models that demonstrate both economic resilience and community impact.

Waste Pickers, too, are experiencing a renaissance. For instance, Sekulya Swaif has taken his humble beginnings in waste collection and expanded his business into producing alternative proteins from organic waste through Black Soldier Fly farming. His innovative approach is paving the way for more sustainable local food production. Agnes Sekibowa, a 50-year-old mother of five, is steadily growing her business despite the physical challenges that come with waste picking as an aging woman.

Voices of Optimism and Change

The Pitch Day was the culmination of months of training and mentoring, giving participants the chance to show just how far they have come in their journey. Joel Mwesigye, Project Coordinator at Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA), observed, “This is the first time we’ve seen waste pickers in Uganda articulate viable business ideas in such a professional and impactful way. These are no longer informal workers—they are indeed wastepreneurs!” Claire Kagga, Sustainability Expert, noted the high calibre of the pitches, while Betty Kaddu, MD of Best of Waste Ltd, expressed her optimism: “Seeing this level of preparation and passion gives me hope. WasteAid and Bunzl have created a platform that has harnessed a transformation.”

Looking Ahead

As the Wastepreneur Programme progresses into its next phase—with plans for distributing seed funding through equipment, infrastructure and continued support—the impact on local communities becomes ever clearer. The journey from waste pickers to Wastepreneurs is not only transforming individual lives but is also forging a path towards a robust circular economy in Uganda.

WasteAid and its partners remain committed to nurturing these micro-businesses and scaling their success, ensuring that each step forward is a stride towards sustainable development and community resilience.