From Bricks to Breakthroughs: Abdul’s Journey of Resilience and Renewal

In Masaka, Uganda, Ssemakula Abdul’s story is one of transformation — from bricklaying to recycling, from financial struggle to stability, and from uncertainty to love.

Building Foundations

After completing his schooling, Abdul spent four years as a bricklayer. It wasn’t just a job — it was a craft that allowed him to buy an acre of land and two cows from his savings. But as the cost of maintaining his land rose, and income from construction work grew inconsistent, he faced the devastating possibility of selling his only asset just to survive.

A New Chapter with Eco Brixs

That’s when Abdul met Collins, an Eco Brixs staff member working in the nearby refugee settlement. Collins introduced him to the organisation’s model — one that turns plastic waste into opportunity through inclusive, sustainable job creation. Eager for change, Abdul joined the Eco Brixs team and started collecting plastic.

Just six months later, his life had taken a remarkable turn.

“Through the income from Eco Brixs, I was able to buy another cow, reinvest in farming, and most importantly, save my land from being sold,” Abdul shares proudly.

Finding Stability — and Love

Beyond financial stability, Abdul gained something even more valuable — confidence and peace of mind.

“Eco Brixs taught me financial management. I started planning better, budgeting wisely, and gradually took charge of my life and expenses,” he says. “The financial pressure eased and with it, so did my worries.”

With stability came the courage to start a family.

“It helped me find my wife. With financial peace, I felt ready to take that step. I finally had something to offer — not just materially, but in terms of a shared future.”

A Life Rebuilt

Today, Abdul isn’t just earning a living — he’s building a life. From laying bricks to recycling plastic, he’s proving that when people are empowered with purpose, they can rebuild more than homes — they can rebuild hope.

Through Eco Brixs’ circular economy model, which pays individuals for every kilogram of plastic they collect, Abdul and many others are transforming waste into worth — and paving the way for a cleaner, fairer future.