Technik  ohne Grenzen 

About the Project

In February 2025, Jannik Mechau and Robert Schullan visited the Arise Childcare Initiative in Bubbebere, Uganda, together with members of the regional groups Kampala and Ndejje as part of a board trip. The organization operates a primary school with around 200 pupils from kindergarten to 7th grade, as well as an orphanage and boarding facility for approximately 65 children.

During a WASH workshop and an initial site assessment, significant deficiencies in hygienic and general waste disposal were identified. Waste had previously been burned unsorted in open fires next to a banana plantation, posing considerable environmental and health risks — particularly regarding hygienic waste such as diapers and sanitary products.

The central objective of the project was the construction of a DeMontfort Mark 9 waste incinerator, including waste storage chambers, an ash pit, and a protective roof structure. Despite logistical challenges, the facility was successfully completed and commissioned. Adaptations to locally available materials and construction methods enabled reliable and functional operation. Initial test runs confirmed stable combustion with effective secondary burning of exhaust gases.

In parallel, workshops were held for teachers and students to raise awareness about environmental pollution caused by improper waste disposal and to introduce a functional waste separation system. Different waste categories were explained in both English and Luganda using labeled bins, visual teaching materials, and interactive exercises. In addition, selected local staff members received practical and theoretical training on the operation and maintenance of the incinerator to ensure its long-term usability.

Another important objective of the project was capacity building within RG Kampala, which had only been founded one year earlier. Local members were actively involved in construction and training activities to strengthen their project implementation skills and to support the long-term goal of enabling independent execution of future projects in Uganda.

The project was funded by the Rotary Clubs Nürnberger Land and Erlangen, as well as especially by Anne Klinge, chairperson of Arise Childcare Germany. Project planning and implementation were carried out by the Waste working group of RG Erlangen, represented by Jana Landel and Johannes Haberstroh, in close cooperation with RG Kampala, represented by Mike Ndizihiwe and Solomon Mpola.

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