How Chevening alumni are empowering Uganda’s next generation of climate leaders 

Chevening alumni in Uganda are using the experience they gained in the UK with Chevening to create practical solutions for sustainable waste management, one of the country’s most pressing challenges. 

Through the Chevening Alumni Programme Fund (CAPF), the Chevening Alumni Association of Uganda (CAUU) launched the Students for Sustainable Waste Management project, empowering secondary school students to become leaders in climate action.  

The project was developed in response to growing concerns around waste management and environmental sustainability, highlighted by the Kiteezi Landfill collapse in 2024. Recognising that long-term solutions require behavioural change from an early age, Chevening alumni used their leadership skills, professional networks, and expertise to engage young people across Kampala’s five divisions. 

Building awareness into action

The project introduced students to waste management, recycling, circular economy approaches, and climate responsibility through interactive training, practical demonstrations, and innovation challenges. 

Guided by the ABCS framework (Awareness, Behaviour Ownership, Community Habit, and Sustainability Identity), the programme aimed to move students beyond understanding environmental challenges towards taking ownership of solutions within their schools and communities. 

Chevening alumni led training sessions alongside partners including Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Taka Taka Plastics, Reform Africa, and other environmental and education stakeholders. The project also strengthened environmental clubs in participating schools, creating spaces where students could continue developing ideas and leading sustainability initiatives. 

Students becoming climate innovators 

The project reached more than 10,000 students across nine schools and generated more than 15 student-led solutions addressing waste challenges through technology, entrepreneurship, and community action. 

Student innovations included: 

• Eco-Skin, which transforms polythene waste into practical products such as bags and slippers.  

• Eco-Pave, exploring the use of recycled plastic in construction materials.  

• Eco-Sphere Go Higher, a digital platform designed to support waste management engagement.  

• Solutions focused on organic fertiliser production, water filtration, renewable energy, and creative environmental advocacy. 

The initiative also supported practical sustainability activities, including the planting of more than 30 trees, strengthening environmental clubs, and encouraging students to see waste as a resource. 

‘We learned through collaboration, became more open-minded, and developed critical thinking skills around environmental challenges.’ 

At the Uganda Society for the Deaf Vocational Training Centre, the project allowed students to explore how waste materials could be transformed into useful products, supporting both environmental sustainability and economic opportunity, such as using waste materials to produce products such as bags.

Creating lasting impact through the Chevening network 

The project demonstrates how Chevening alumni are using the skills, knowledge, and connections gained through their time in the UK to address key challenges in their communities, strengthening collaboration around climate action in Uganda.  

Through partnerships with government institutions, private-sector partners, and community organisations, the initiative has strengthened collaboration around climate action in Uganda. 

The project reported a 90% increase in environmental awareness, with students demonstrating improved understanding of waste management systems and stronger confidence in their ability to contribute to environmental solutions.  

‘It has been an honour to witness how our UK-gained knowledge and community experiences can be translated into meaningful change and impact within our community.’  

Through the support of Chevening, alumni are helping young Ugandans become innovators, advocates, and leaders of a more sustainable future.