Josephine Namuyonga

A Ugandan environmental engineer who pioneered sustainable energy solutions to combat deforestation and improve rural livelihoods.

Josephine Namuyonga is a Ugandan environmental engineer and social entrepreneur whose work has revolutionized rural energy access while combating deforestation. Born in 1980 in eastern Uganda, she witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of charcoal production on local forests and communities. Her innovation—the Mukwano Energy initiative—has transformed organic waste into affordable, eco-friendly fuel alternatives. By converting agricultural residues like banana peels and coffee husks into briquettes, she reduced reliance on charcoal and preserved forests.

Namuyonga’s briquette technology is both simple and scalable. The process involves drying organic waste, compressing it into briquettes, and distributing them through community cooperatives. This method cuts household energy costs by up to 50% and reduces carbon emissions. Over 15,000 households in Uganda now use her briquettes, and the model has been replicated in Kenya and Tanzania.

Her broader impact extends to women’s economic empowerment. Over 80% of Mukwano’s workers are women, providing them with steady income and leadership roles. Namuyonga also trains communities in sustainable farming practices, linking waste management to agricultural productivity. Her approach aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 (affordable energy) and 13 (climate action).

In 2018, she won the UNEP Champions of the Earth Award, the highest environmental honor. Her story is featured in BBC Africa and National Geographic, highlighting her role as a bridge between grassroots innovation and global sustainability efforts.

Namuyonga’s legacy is evident in Uganda’s declining deforestation rates in regions adopting her methods. Her work demonstrates how localized solutions can address global challenges, proving that environmental stewardship and economic development are mutually reinforcing.