KYEBANDO, Kampala (UGNEWSLINE) – At 65, Nakayiwa Immaculate Kimmula has turned waste into wealth, creating jobs and improving sanitation in her community through JIMAC Cleaning and Waste Management Limited.
What started as an encounter with poor waste management during her time as a public health leader in Kyebando grew into a business opportunity. Nakayiwa began working with a waste collection operator before starting her own venture, realising that waste could provide both income and employment.
“I realized that garbage was not just rubbish. It was a service people needed, and if managed well, it could create jobs and income,” she says.
To grow the business, Nakayiwa first saved UGX 10 million with FINCA Uganda. She later attended FINCA’s Waste-to-Wealth Initiative training, where she learnt about waste management and opportunities in the recycling value chain. She then applied for financing to purchase a garbage truck.
Within three days, she secured a UGX 20 million Women Empowerment Loan, which, together with her savings, enabled her to acquire a truck and expand the business.
“FINCA completed the missing piece. The savings gave me a foundation, but the loan helped me turn my dream into reality,” she says.
Today, JIMAC operates two trucks and employs 12 people, including drivers, loaders and supervisors, while serving households and businesses across Kyebando, Kisalosalo, Kalerwe and Makerere. Nakayiwa also encourages households to sort waste at source and promotes responsible waste management in the communities she serves.
Her vision is to expand further by establishing a waste sorting and recycling facility alongside a coffee and poultry farm.
“I want to create a place where waste becomes wealth. I want to continue creating jobs and leave something meaningful for my children and community.”
Henry Kiyaga, Women Empowerment Loan Product Manager at FINCA Uganda, said Nakayiwa’s journey demonstrates how financial resources, determination and entrepreneurship can turn an opportunity into a sustainable business that creates employment and contributes to community development.
“People saw garbage; I saw an opportunity. Today, that opportunity has educated my children, employed others, and given me the confidence to dream even bigger.” concluded Nakayiwa.
