Used metals and iron products can be easily recycled into income-generating products in Lira City, thanks to the efforts of a prominent businessman, Awio Isaac, commonly known as “Awio Scrap Dealer.”
In an interview with The Ankole Times on Thursday, June 12, 2025, Mr. Awio—who appeared tired during the session—shared insights into his business:
“I buy and sell used iron and metal scrap and earn millions of shillings from it, depending on how many kilograms I’ve bought,” said Awio.
Many young boys and girls in Lira, as well as in other towns across Uganda, are now collecting scrap materials as a source of income. This trend has grown due to the limited availability of formal employment or accessible white-collar jobs.
Speaking to our reporter, Awio noted that the youth are actively involved in his business because he treats them fairly and buys scrap strictly from different metallic backgrounds, such as aluminum saucepans, plastics, used hoes, steel bars, among others.
He employs nearly ten young people to help with sorting, grading, weighing, and loading the scrap materials onto lorries.
“We deal in used scrap metals and also precious metals from minerals across Africa and neighboring countries. We handle copper, steel, used rails, and gold dust,” Awio explained.
According to Awio, they collect and sell a wide range of scrap materials including:
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Used barbed wire
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PC and CD scrap
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Drained batteries
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Media tape scrap
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Scrap iron, steel, copper, brass, etc.—as long as the materials are reusable
Awio’s scrap business point is located west of the Lira Bus Park, around Cuka-Atat, Tekulu Ojwina Cell, Lira City West Division. The business has been running for several years and has positively impacted the lives of many youth in the region.
He has successfully built a hotel called Heavens Hotel and is supporting the education of several of his relatives and children through proceeds from the booming scrap business.
Awio encourages youth to join the scrap industry to gain financial independence and reduce overreliance on their parents or borrowing money daily. He began the business with less than UGX 500,000, and today he is considered a rising tycoon in Lira City, earning millions and employing many young people across the Lango sub-region.
Looking ahead, he plans to build a school and a four-star hotel in Lira City as his next major investment from the scrap business.
For more details, contact Awio Scrap Dealer on 039 4004433
