Turning Trash into Treasure: How Water Bottles Are Changing Lives in Busia

In the heart of Arubaine A village, Busia, lives a woman whose story is inspiring change both environmentally and economically. Nakigozi Cissy Naziwa once struggled to make ends meet. Her children lacked basic needs, including school supplies and meals. But instead of giving up, she turned to what many people ignore: plastic waste.

With no startup capital, she gathered her children and proposed an idea—collecting plastics to sell. The children agreed, and together, they began picking plastics from the streets. Their first buyer, a man named Osekenya, paid UGX 200 per kilogram. Encouraged by his words that "this town is full of plastics," Cissy pressed on.

Using her earnings, she bought a weighing scale and set up a plastic collection point. She started small with just one "Musaakaji" (plastic collector). Word spread, and soon more collectors joined. Today, Cissy buys plastics from street kids, mothers, youths, and even former thieves some of whom no longer pose a threat to society thanks to this work.

"They spend the whole day collecting plastics; by night they’re too tired to steal," she jokes.

She buys up to 300 kilograms daily, purchasing at UGX 400 per kg and reselling at UGX 600. The business isn't without challenges some plastics arrive mixed with waste or hidden stones to increase weight. Others come with human waste or used diapers. And occasionally, people take advance payments and disappear.

Still, Cissy stays strong.

"Don't wait for a man to buy you hair or give you money. Cherish any job, no matter how dirty it looks. As long as you earn something, it's worth doing."

 

Challenges & Needs

• Neighbors complain about dirt.

• Lack of capital to transport directly to factories.

• Security issues and dishonest collectors.

• Need for waterproof covers (Matundubale) and a small truck for transport.

Despite all this, her story reflects a booming trend in Busia plastic buying and selling. And while Cissy is just one of many in this trade, she stands out for her resilience and for creating impact, especially among vulnerable youths.

"Some kids use the money they earn from plastics to buy books, pencils, or even food. This job is changing lives," she says.

 

One of the regular Musaakaji, Leon Joseph Temba, a 40-year-old man who has been collecting plastics for nearly a year, shared his journey:

“This work has saved me. Before I started collecting plastics, I had no income, and life was hard. Now, I wake up with purpose   I know I’ll at least earn something to feed my family,” he explains, wiping sweat from his brow while unloading his day’s collection.

Leon is just one of many in Busia who have found a second chance through this informal but growing trade.

One of the regular Musaakaji, a 13-year-old street child who collects bottles daily, shared his experience:

“Before I started collecting plastics, I used to sleep hungry. Now I can at least buy chapati and pencils for school,” he says with a shy smile, his sack of bottles slung over one shoulder.

Many Musaakaji like him now spend their days searching for plastics instead of loitering, and some even manage to save a little money for school supplies. 

Cissy dreams of support from well-wishers who can help expand her operations. With just a little push, her humble trash-based hustle could become a full-scale recycling enterprise.

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