top of page

From Plastic to Prosperity: Kiweewa Willy’s Journey

  • Andy Teale
  • Jul 14
  • 2 min read
Man, Kiweewa Willy, wearing a plaid shirt and red undershirt stands in front of a truck piled with sacks of plastic. Industrial setting, relaxed expression.

At 38, Willy is a devoted father of four, driven by a vision to create a stable, self-sustaining life for his family. Owning land was once a distant dream, but today, that dream is steadily becoming reality—thanks to his plastic collection work with Eco Brixs.


♻️ Turning Waste into Opportunity

Willy’s journey began when he started collecting plastic waste for Eco Brixs. What others saw as trash, he saw as the building blocks of his future.


Through fair pricing and a community-driven programme, Eco Brixs offered him more than just income—it offered hope, purpose, and a path to financial independence.


📈 Step-by-Step Growth

The early days were tough. Long hours and modest earnings could have been discouraging, but Willy persisted, motivated by the support of Eco Brixs and his vision for his family. Over time, his consistent work allowed him to make steady progress toward purchasing land—a symbol of stability and achievement.


Beyond financial gains, Willy has grown personally. Through mentorship and workshops, he’s become a change-maker in his community, inspiring others to rethink waste and opportunity. “Kube-mari yange akafananyi,” he says proudly, which means 'take a picture of my money', referring to the truck being loaded with plastic (that will eventually be traded for income). Certainly proof of his hard work and determination!


Truck loaded full with large sacks of plastic waste for recycling at Eco Brixs, a person climbing on top. License plate reads UBL 388M. Dusty ground, scattered litter. Busy, chaotic setting.
 Willy asked for a photo of the truck, loaded with plastic, to be taken as he sees it as truck full of money!

🏡 Building a Legacy

For Willy, plastic collection is more than work—it’s a brick in the foundation of his family’s future. What started as a survival strategy has become a purpose-driven journey, transforming his identity from a plastic collector into an environmental entrepreneur.


Each kilogram collected cleans the community, provides income, and brings him closer to his dream of land ownership.


💰 Progress Toward His Goal

Collecting 400 kg of plastic per month, Willy now earns around UGX 220,000 (~$60), totalling UGX 3.96 million (~$1,080) in 18 months. With a land purchase target of UGX 8–10 million, he’s already halfway there—proof that consistent effort and community support can turn vision into reality.


“Before Eco Brixs, land seemed impossible. Now, every kilo I collect puts me closer to my dream. I’m not just earning—I’m rising. I’m building a future, cleaning my community, and showing my children that even the smallest effort can create something lasting.”

Comments


bottom of page