When you grow up in a world where opportunities are scarce, and challenges are plenty, it’s easy to lose hope.
But for Johnmary Kavuma, founder of Upcycle Africa, and Joan Nalubega, founder of Uganics, pain became the seed of purpose and purpose became a revolution for change.

“Our house collapsed, and my only grandmother died from the injuries she suffered. I turned my painful past into motivation.” Johnmary Kavuma

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🧱 From Plastic Waste to Affordable Homes

In Uganda’s capital, Kampala, over 350,000 tons of plastic waste pile up every year most of it never recycled.
While many saw this as a crisis, Johnmary saw an opportunity. Through Upcycle Africa, he’s transforming this waste into eco-friendly homes built from recycled plastic bottles.

Each home tells a story of resilience, innovation, and community empowerment.

Today, Upcycle Africa has:

• Constructed over 100 eco-homes,
• Recycled more than 3 million plastic bottles, and
• Created employment for youth and women in marginalized communities.

“We’re transforming the waste crisis in Africa into employment opportunities for many. Every bottle we use is a step toward a cleaner, fairer world.”

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🧼 Fighting Malaria, One Soap Bar at a Time

For Joan Nalubega, malaria wasn’t just a health issue it was a part of her childhood. Constantly falling sick, feeling unloved and isolated, she decided to fight back.
Her company, Uganics, produces organic mosquito-repelling soap, scientifically verified to reduce malaria transmission.

Even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, when tourism collapsed, Joan kept her mission alive expanding her soap’s reach online and ensuring vulnerable communities could still access it affordably.

“Even if I’m not saving all the children suffering from malaria right now, I’m at least saving the ones that I can.” Joan Nalubega

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💡 Nurtured by Innovation — The SINA Model

Both Joan and Johnmary are proud graduates of the Social Innovation Academy (SINA) a transformative space in Mpigi, Uganda, where young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are empowered to turn problems into opportunities.

At SINA, learning isn’t about memorizing; it’s about discovering your own answers, your vision, and your power to act.
It’s where stories of loss are rewritten into stories of leadership.

“It’s not about giving them answers, but helping them discover their own.” Etienne Salborn, Founder of SINA

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🌿 Empowering Women, Empowering the Future

In the communities where Upcycle Africa builds, women who once had no source of income are now earning wages that pay for their children’s education.

“Our wages were raised recently. Now I can pay my daughter’s university tuition and give her the opportunity to graduate.” Worker at Upcycle Africa

Every home built doesn’t just shelter a family it empowers another.

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🌍 Reimagining Africa’s Future

From refugee settlements in Nakivale to city slums in Kampala, this movement is a call to action for everyone who believes in Africa’s potential.

“I have a vision to make my country a better place. I have a vision to make Africa, instead of running away from it, a better place. If my grandmother happened to see me now, I know she would be proud of me.” Johnmary Kavuma

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✊ Be Part of the Movement

The story of Upcycle Africa and Uganics is a reminder that sustainable change begins with courage — courage to face pain, to see possibilities in problems, and to act where others only hope.

💚 Watch. Share. Support.
👉 Fighting Malaria with a Piece of Soap | Global Ideas – DW

📢 Let’s build an Africa where waste becomes wealth and every child grows up in a healthier, safer home.

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DW Global Ideas, a leading platform showcasing innovative environmental solutions from around the world.