Kyuka Ventures is a tech-enabled social enterprise addressing two critical challenges in Uganda: plastic waste pollution and energy poverty. Uganda generates approximately 600 tonnes of plastic waste daily, with only 5% recycled, leaving 570 tonnes to pollute ecosystems and exacerbate climate change (NEMA, 2018). Simultaneously, 90% of households rely on firewood or charcoal for cooking, leading to deforestation, indoor air pollution, and an estimated 31,600 deaths annually, primarily among women and children (WHO, 2021).
Using innovative “Soot-Free Reactive Extraction Technology,” Kyuka Ventures transforms 40-50 tonnes of plastic waste monthly into clean LPG, an affordable alternative to traditional fuels. This technology reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 91% and lowers production costs by 32%. The gas, sold at $1.03/L, is 42% cheaper than conventional fuels, making it accessible to underserved households. Additionally, the company integrates its “Waste Insure” program, enabling 750 households to exchange plastic waste for health insurance, thus addressing public health and promoting waste management.
Kyuka Ventures has impacted over 25,000 households, reduced carbon emissions by 3.5 million kg annually, and created over 300 green jobs for marginalized groups. By 2030, the company aims to scale operations, withdraw 10 million tonnes of plastic from the environment, and expand to regional markets, aligning with Uganda’s sustainability goals. This proposal seeks USD 1.5 million to enhance technology, expand operations, and revolutionize waste-to-energy solutions in Uganda and beyond.