Leticia Ndagire

Ugandan environmentalist who pioneered eco-friendly construction using recycled materials

Leticia Ndagire is a Ugandan environmentalist and entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to sustainable development through her work in eco-friendly construction. Born in 1980 in Kampala, Uganda, she grew up witnessing the devastating effects of environmental degradation and deforestation. Her passion for environmental conservation led her to create Eco-Post Uganda, an organization dedicated to promoting sustainable building practices using recycled materials.

In 2005, Ndagire developed a groundbreaking technique for constructing building posts from recycled plastic and agricultural waste. This innovation not only reduces plastic waste but also provides affordable and durable building materials for low-income communities. Her work has been featured in international publications like The Guardian and National Geographic, and she has received awards including the UNEP Young Environmentalist Award in 2012.

Through Eco-Post Uganda, she has trained over 500 artisans in sustainable construction techniques and created jobs in rural areas. Her approach combines environmental stewardship with economic empowerment, directly impacting thousands of lives. Ndagire's vision extends to climate change mitigation, as her materials reduce carbon emissions by 80% compared to traditional construction methods.

Her advocacy includes partnerships with organizations like Greenpeace Africa and speaking engagements at global forums such as the UN Climate Change Conference. Ndagire's work exemplifies how local innovations can address global challenges, making her a pivotal figure in sustainable development.