KIKANSHEMEZA EVELYNE is a female youth representative in Kabale region; one of the areas of operation of National Slum Dwellers Federation of Uganda and ACTogether Uganda and is a saver in lower BUGONGI BAKYARA TUKWATANISE Group, saver No. 003. She is the secretary of their group which meets every Sunday to save. The group is in the southern network of Kabale region, other networks in the region are northern and central. Kabale region has 10 youth groups which are active and are steadily doing well in their respective networks. Some of the activities the youths are mostly involved in are piggery, chicken rearing, dance and drama among others.
Kikanshemeza Evelyne engages in conserving the environment by making briquettes, through her group, she applied for the youth booster grant to enable her enhance her briquette-making venture. This opportunity placed her in a unique position to contribute to the environment, create jobs, and support sustainable development to the community. By making briquettes, she didn’t only just start a business but is also playing an important role in addressing energy and environmental challenges.
Briquettes are compacted blocks made from organic materials like sawdust, agricultural waste, or other biomass. They are used as an alternative to firewood, charcoal, or coal for cooking and heating. Briquettes are a cleaner, greener source of energy, producing less smoke and fewer harmful emissions than traditional fuels. They also help reduce deforestation and offer a sustainable way to recycle waste materials, For Evelyne, she uses cow dung and agricultural waste which she grinds and mixes together, they are then mixed with cassava porridge; this porridge helps what’s formed to be intact – making briquettes, she has contributed to reduced demand for firewood and charcoal, which are major contributors to deforestation and environmental degradation thus managing waste by turning it into useful products.
To maintain a reliable sourcing of raw materials, she has formed strong relationships with local farmers and businesses for a steady supply of waste materials. Briquette production has becomes more popular with stiff competition, she has differentiated her product by offering superior quality, excellent customer service, and by focusing on niche markets, like eco-conscious consumers.
Evelyne being a female youth representative at the region has conducted several trainings to the youths who have also acquired the skill of making briquettes saying; it is through these projects that youth acquire skills and knowledge to enable them have a basic living. She also appreciates Kabale region for giving her the opportunity to be the female youth representative and be a role model to other youths through training them to make briquettes.
Written by Mangwana Billy Ashley; Know Your City TV Kabale.
