From Waste to Wellness: How One Kampala Community is Turning Trash into Triumph

WasteAid’s work linking harmful waste to public health is having real life impacts in Uganda’s capital of Kampala.

In the heart of Katoogo Zone, nestled within the vibrant community of Kinawataka, Mbuya, local residents, ‘Wastepreneurs’, health professionals, and community mobilisers recently came together not just to clean—but to heal.

A joint clean-up and medical outreach event, spearheaded by Reach Out Mbuya, in partnership with Kiswa Health Centre III and supported by WasteAid, proved that when health and environmental champions join forces, the results go far beyond simply clearing waste.

The event brought together five dedicated WasteAid-trained Wastepreneurs—Khainza Annet, Akello Dilith, Tumusiime Winnie, Nakiyingi Fatuma, and Nakiwala Amina—who are not only tackling pollution but also redefining what it means to earn a living in a circular economy.

Funded by worldwide distribution specialists Bunzl, each of these Wastepreneurs collected between 18–25 kg of recyclable materials, helping remove more than 20 piles of rubbish from the area.

But it wasn’t just about cleaning. These Wastepreneurs shared their personal journeys, offered sorting demonstrations, and inspired others to view waste as a valuable resource and an opportunity.

“Every bag of sorted waste we collect is one step closer to dignity and income,” said Akello, a proud Wastepreneur. “But it starts with community trust—and today, we built that together.”

Alongside the clean-up, over 100 residents received free screenings for HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis—thanks to a committed medical team from Reach Out Mbuya and Kiswa Health Centre III.

“Waste is not just an eyesore—it’s a public health risk,” said Olanya Samuel, a cough monitor with Reach Out Mbuya. “Today we offered free testing, but the real success is in shifting mindsets about prevention through proper waste practices.”

Residents began drawing the connection between poor sanitation and health issues—many for the first time—laying the groundwork for future behaviour change.

Counsellor Namubiru Grace Anne added: “Many of the illnesses we treat daily have roots in unsanitary conditions. This partnership with WasteAid is helping bridge the gap between health and environmental awareness.”

A Hidden Hero: Martha Acam

Perhaps the most heart-warming moment of the event came unexpectedly.

During the clean-up, the team was led to the home of Martha Acam, a 65-year-old retired nurse, who had quietly turned her rented rooms into a makeshift plastic bag collection centre. Driven by concern for her neighbourhood, she’s been collecting, washing, and storing plastic bags for years.

That day, her personal mission became part of something bigger: she was linked to a Wastepreneur trained under the WasteAid Challenge Project who can help her bring this “accidental warehouse” into the circular economy. What started as a solo initiative became a supply chain solution.

A beautiful full-circle moment— literally turning trash into treasure.

Powerful partnership

Ceris Turner-Bailes, WasteAid CEO, said “Events like the Kinawataka clean-up demonstrate the power of integrated community action—where health, dignity and environmental care come together. WasteAid is deeply grateful to Bunzl for their continued support, which enables us to empower local Wastepreneurs, transform waste into opportunity and deliver lasting change in communities.”

The event’s success in Kinawataka proves that when public health meets community waste innovation, the impact is deep, lasting, and transformational. Households are now expressing interest in waste sorting. Trust has been built and momentum is growing.