Mukono District Chairperson Hon. Francis Lukooya Mukoome, accompanied by district technical officers and other leaders, visited A&F WATE2WEALTH SOLUTION, a local recycling enterprise transforming plastic waste into valuable products, including recycled plastic fencing poles and other agricultural materials.
The visit formed part of the district’s efforts to promote environmental conservation, support local innovation, and encourage enterprises that create employment opportunities while addressing the growing challenge of plastic waste management.
Welcoming the delegation, Mr. Ahimbisibwe Alex, the proprietor of A&F WATE2WEALTH SOLUTION, explained that the company specializes in plastic waste collection and recovery, sorting and cleaning recyclable plastics, recycling and processing plastic materials, manufacturing recycled plastic poles, supplying fencing and agricultural products, and conducting environmental awareness campaigns and community engagement activities.
Mr. Alex appreciated Mukono District leadership for visiting the facility and thanked District Chairperson Hon. Francis Lukooya Mukoome for his continued support towards local innovators and entrepreneurs.
He revealed that the enterprise previously trained over 30 young people in practical vocational skills, including the production of bar soap, liquid soap, and welding, with the objective of equipping them to establish sustainable livelihoods after completing the training.
Mr. Alex said the idea for establishing the recycling project was inspired by knowledge acquired during a study visit to India, where he learned modern plastic recycling technologies that he later introduced in Uganda.
Despite the progress made, he highlighted several challenges affecting the business, including unreliable electricity supply and limited financial resources required to expand production capacity.
He expressed optimism that with increased support from government and development partners, the company would be able to employ more young people, increase production, and contribute significantly to environmental conservation and youth empowerment.
Mukono District Speaker Rt. Hon. Hajji Asuman Muhumuza Lubowa commended the District Chairperson for maintaining close engagement with local innovators through regular field visits and inspections.
He noted that Mr. Alex has demonstrated great potential and innovation but now requires additional support to expand his operations. He encouraged the District Chairperson to utilize his networks and partnerships to attract further investment and support the enterprise.
The Environmental Officer from Mukono Municipality, Mr. Badaage James, applauded Mr. Alex for promoting environmental protection through recycling.
He advised the company to undergo an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) to obtain the necessary environmental certification required for future expansion.
Mr. Badaage further recommended the adoption of alternative energy sources to reduce dependence on electricity during off-peak hours and encouraged the company to strengthen occupational safety by planting trees around the facility, acquiring fire extinguishers, and installing waste bins to improve environmental management.
Addressing stakeholders, Mukono District Chairperson Hon. Francis Lukooya Mukoome noted that he was among the pioneers who promoted waste management initiatives within Mukono District and therefore understands both the opportunities and challenges associated with recycling enterprises.
He shared technical guidance on improving recycling efficiency, including methods of washing polyethylene materials while treating and recycling the wastewater for continued use, thereby reducing environmental pollution and operational costs.
Hon. Lukooya commended Mr. Alex for transforming knowledge acquired abroad into practical solutions that benefit communities in Mukono District.
He reaffirmed the district’s commitment to supporting innovators whose work contributes to environmental conservation, job creation, industrial development, and socio-economic transformation.
Other stakeholders, including the District Councillor representing Nama, also thanked the District Chairperson for personally visiting the project and recognizing the importance of supporting local innovators.
They observed that enterprises such as A&F WATE2WEALTH SOLUTION require increased advocacy and strategic partnerships to enable expansion, reduce plastic pollution, and create employment opportunities for young people.
Stakeholders further applauded Mr. Alex for bringing innovative recycling technologies from India and successfully applying them to improve environmental management and community livelihoods in Mukono District.
The visit to A&F WATE2WEALTH SOLUTION underscored Mukono District Local Government’s commitment to promoting environmental sustainability, innovation, and youth empowerment through support for local enterprises. District leaders emphasized that plastic recycling not only reduces environmental pollution but also creates employment, promotes skills development, and contributes to the circular economy.
They pledged to continue collaboration with innovators, development partners, and environmental stakeholders to strengthen waste management initiatives, support green industries, and accelerate sustainable socio-economic development across Mukono District.
