Young entrepreneur tackles waste management in Uganda through organic fertilizer production

In Fort Portal, Uganda, Bridget Kigambo’s Green Shero Ltd. is addressing the nation’s waste management crisis through innovative recycling initiatives. The company, founded in 2021, operates primarily in the Kitere dumping site, where it began by managing waste with basic infrastructure and limited resources.

Green Shero’s waste processing involves categorizing waste into grades. Grade 1 plastics are sold to bulk recycling companies, Grade 3 plastics are utilized in-house to craft products like baskets and bags, and Grade 2 biodegradable waste is composted to produce organic fertilizers. This fertilizer, known locally as Ekirisa, along with liquid leachate, serves as a natural pesticide and soil amendment for local farmers.

Despite initial challenges such as limited funding and the lack of advanced machinery, Green Shero has successfully integrated manual tools and innovative techniques to enhance their recycling capabilities. Currently, the company diverts 15 tonnes of plastic waste monthly from waterways and landfills, producing 148 tonnes of organic fertilizer annually. This effort not only reduces environmental pollution but also supports sustainable agricultural practices in the region.