Young Ugandan Entrepreneur Transforms Garage Waste into Stylish Furniture

Discarded materials that usually end up in overflowing dumpsites are finding a profitable second life thanks to innovative young Ugandans. Keren Kyazze, the proprietor of Kerenz Creations, is turning everyday automotive waste from local garages and fuel stations into modern household goods such as stylish sofa sets and decorative mirrors.

Kyazze’s creative venture recently claimed the overall victory at the Uganda Climate Innovation Challenge (UCIC) 2026. Outperforming hundreds of applicants, her enterprise secured Shs10 million in funding to scale up operations. By repurposing old sponges into comfortable seating and transforming recovered glass into household decor, Kerenz Creations is actively reducing urban waste while creating meaningful jobs for youth.

Speaking on the broader impact of such initiatives, stakeholders highlighted the urgent need to address Uganda’s massive solid waste generation, which exceeds 2,500 tonnes daily. Experts note that unmanaged waste chokes drainage channels, causes floods, and releases harmful greenhouse gases. Enterprises adopting circular economy models help mitigate these environmental threats while building sustainable commercial ventures.

Government officials and development partners have underscored the importance of empowering young eco-entrepreneurs. Dr Faith Mercy Lakasa, the Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, emphasized that youth-led climate innovations serve as a powerful tool to tackle unemployment and foster economic participation. Alongside Kyazze’s success, other standout innovators like Luther Plastics and Smart Kuku Brooder also received crucial funding during the UCIC awards.

As pioneers like Kyazze continue to demonstrate, turning environmental challenges into economic opportunities requires targeted financing, supportive networks, and strong public-private partnerships. Read more about this initiative on Nile Post.