The Rotary Club of Lubowa and Mirembe Vocational Institute have joined forces to initiate a youth-centered project known as the ‘Mviringo project.’ This partnership focuses on enhancing solid waste management within Zana, Bunamwaya division, Makindye Ssabagabo municipality, located in Wakiso district, as part of a broader plan to develop a smarter urban city.
The main objective of the ‘Mviringo project’ is to empower local youth to create biomass briquettes from organic waste generated in their communities. The initiative is a response to the substantial increase in waste produced by food vendors in nearby markets and roadside kiosks, particularly those selling hot snacks. With limited public sanitation facilities available, there is a growing demand for effective waste management.
Francisco Ssemwanga, the Rotary District 9214 Governor, emphasized the project’s focus on promoting sustainable organic waste consumption. By composting and recycling materials such as food peelings, feathers, and natural debris like grass and leaves, the project aims to produce biomass briquettes for household cooking. This approach not only reduces air pollution but also addresses deforestation and contributes to climate change mitigation in rapidly growing urban areas, with a primary focus on engaging young people in promoting sustainable waste management.
During the project launch at Mirembe Vocational Institute, Ssemwanga urged urban authorities to establish a well-structured plan for constructing public sanitary facilities, particularly near markets.
Joshua Ssemakula, the President of the Rotary Club of Lubowa, disclosed that the project will initially target school communities and food vendors in five selected urban areas: Zana, Nfufu, Nankinga, Bunamwaya Central, and Nyanama. It is expected to benefit a population of 106,000 people, with 21% of them falling within the age group of 19 to 35 years.
The Swahili term “Mviringo,” meaning circular, symbolizes the project’s role in contributing to the circular economy, involving young entrepreneurs and individuals from marginalized communities. Ssemakula also highlighted that this initiative builds upon previous Rotary efforts like the ‘Vijana Poa’ project and ongoing work with partner organizations.
Mirembe Vocational Institute will serve as the training and incubation center for the ‘Mviringo project.’ Ritah Nassali, the institute’s Principal, explained that while waste management is an essential component of their training, they also provide courses in hairdressing, tailoring, fashion, and design to equip young people with practical skills.
Nassali added that they promote environmentally friendly biomass products, which can be sold as an affordable source of cooking energy for schools, low-income households, and food vendors.
In related news, during a Rotary fellowship gathering at Graces Restaurant in Lubowa, three new members were installed, including Agnes Busingye from the Uganda Revenue Authority, Josephine Kawooya, and Pauline Kayita Nakalanzi.
