Waste to Wealth: Scaling local climate adaptation through youth enterprise in Mbarara

Project period:

01.05.2026 - 01.05.2028

Granted amount:

645,812,- DKK

Total budget:

645,812,- DKK

Organization:

Arkitekter Uden Grænser

Partners:

ACTogether Uganda

Pool:

Civilsamfundspuljen

Grant type:

Large Project

World goals:

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being

Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Efforts take place in:

Uganda

Resume

This pilot project strengthens community-led urban development in informal settlements in Mbarara, Uganda, by engaging residents in co-creating solutions for solid waste management and livelihood opportunities through waste upcycling. Building on the partner’s previous collaborations and ACTogether Uganda’s GALLA programme, the project centres on the participatory design and construction of a Green Opportunity Hub serving as a combined waste collection point, exploratory lab for business potentials in waste upcycling and local organizing. The project demonstrates how community-driven waste management can support youth entrepreneurship through establishing business-oriented cooperatives, strengthen civic participation and foster local ownership and resilience in a context of urban fragility.