For most Ugandans, garbage is nothing but an eyesore. But for 28-year-old Ronald Mutebi, it’s a treasure chest of untapped potential. The Makerere University graduate, armed with a degree in Tourism and Hospitality, has chosen a unique entrepreneurial path that not only generates income but also transforms lives.
Through his eco-friendly enterprise, Summit Green Company Ltd, Mutebi is reshaping urban communities and empowering young people, particularly in areas like Namuwongo’s Yoka Zone. His work turns garbage into sustainable products like briquettes, ornaments, and crafts—all while championing environmental conservation.
A Slum Transformed
Charles Anywar, the youth chairperson in Yoka Zone, can’t stop singing praises for Summit Green’s impact. “We have been producing briquettes for three years now. This all started after the government responded to the public outcry to protect forests from charcoal dealers, which was speeding up climate change,” Anywar shared in Luganda.
According to him, the briquette project has been nothing short of revolutionary for the community. “It is unbelievable that we can now earn money from mere garbage. These briquettes are eco-friendly—you don’t need to cut trees for firewood or charcoal,” he said.
With an initial power input cost of just UGX 30,000 per day on a domestic Yaka meter, the slum-based factory generates an impressive income of UGX 1 million daily.
Bigger Scale, Bigger Impact
Meanwhile, Mutebi’s Matugga-based factory operates on an industrial three-phase power line, which he notes is much more cost-effective. This setup allows Summit Green to produce up to 3 tons (3,000 kilograms) of briquettes per day, translating into UGX 3 million in daily revenue.
“This is more than just a business—it’s a solution to both waste management and youth unemployment,” Mutebi explained during a recent media tour of the project’s operations.
Schools Join the Movement
Educational institutions have also embraced Summit Green’s innovations. Cambridge Junior School in Matugga, for instance, now relies on briquettes for cooking meals for its 500 pupils. “Briquettes are reliable, cost-effective, and simplify meal preparation,” noted Peace Nandawula, the school’s head teacher.
At St. Kizito High School in Namugongo, head teacher Ezekiel Kazibwe proudly showcased how the school integrates plastic recycling, paver making, and mushroom farming into its operations. “Our students are learning practical skills that align with Uganda’s new competence-based curriculum,” Kazibwe said.
Building a Sustainable Future
Mutebi and his team have made significant strides in promoting sustainability. By addressing waste management challenges and creating job opportunities, they align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including affordable and clean energy (SDG7) and climate action (SDG13).
For communities like Namuwongo, the benefits go beyond financial gains. “This initiative has reduced crime in our area and created a sense of purpose,” said Fidah Nasilumbi, the women’s representative for Yoka Zone.
Mutebi envisions a greener Uganda driven by empowered youth and innovative solutions. From slums to schools, he’s proving that with the right mindset, even garbage can be turned into gold.
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