Atugonza Immaculate: Walking the Path of Service, Passion, and Resilience
- Andy Teale
- Oct 1
- 2 min read
In Masaka, Uganda, one story blends education, passion, and perseverance: Atugonza Immaculate, affectionately known as Immy, a certified nurse and one of 100 full-time Eco Brixs staff working from the Recycling Factory in Masaka, Uganda.
Unlike the thousands of plastic collectors that bring plastic to Eco Brixs in exchange for payment, Immy is on the other side as part of the core team. She plays a crucial role in accepting, weighing, and buying plastic from collectors — the first step in turning waste into opportunity.
A Humble Beginning
Immy’s journey with Eco Brixs began in 2020, during her Senior Six vacation. She worked as a sorter for 5,000 UGX a day, investing every shilling into her studies at Bishop Stuart University, where she pursued nursing.
“Every holiday, I came back to Eco Brixs part-time,” she recalls.
Even when her short-term contracts ended, Eco Brixs welcomed her back during school breaks — providing more than income; it gave her flexibility and support to follow her dreams.
A Nurse at Heart 💚
In 2024, her persistence paid off. Immy signed a full-time contract as First Aid Officer and Assistant Receiving Manager, a role that blends her nursing skills with operational responsibility. She now ensures plastic brought by collectors is properly measured, recorded, and purchased, a vital part of Eco Brixs’ circular economy.
“Working with Eco Brixs keeps me close to my profession. Being a nurse is my calling,” she says.
Her role also allows her to stay near her parents, saving on rent and transport while applying her skills to care for colleagues and the community.
Lessons Beyond the Classroom
For Immy, education is a compass, not a guarantee.
“I advise youth to embrace the jobs that come their way, not just focus on degrees. Education aligns you to better your future — whether in your field or not.”
Growing in Community 🌱
Surrounded by colleagues who inspire and challenge her, Immy thrives. From sorting plastics for a daily wage to becoming a certified nurse and key operational staff member, her journey shows that the road to one’s calling is rarely straight — but every step counts.
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