The Ugandan Brand Turning Plastic Into Fashion

By: Ose Ogbebor

Over the last few years, sustainability has been a buzzword in topics of conversation all over the world, quickly becoming a priority in the fashion industry. The awareness of consumers and the collective rise of eco-friendly efforts to preserve our planet and develop our communities has led to the birth of innovative initiatives like Kimuli Fashionability.

Kimuli Fashionability is an organization committed to creating a world where no one is left behind through upcycled fashion. The ecofriendly brand has carried out its vision by starting a COVID-19 campaign to fund the production of reusable, washable and biodegradable face masks as an alternative to single-use plastic face masks. For each upcycled product bought, 50% of the proceeds will go to the manufacture of these free face masks for essential service providers in Uganda.

In a feature on CNN’s African Voices “Changemakers,” founder Juliet Namujju describes the organization as having “transformed the plastic waste crisis in Africa into an inclusive eco-fashion label providing employment opportunities to people with disabilities and youth.”

Marginalized youth in various communities are employed to collect waste like cement bags, sugar sacks, etc. The waste is sorted and washed thoroughly before it is delivered to persons with disabilities who have been trained for free in creative tailoring skills to turn it into upcycled garments and accessories. Products such as raincoats jackets, wallets, bags, jewelry, and more are made from recycled materials.

Kimuli hosts fashion shows to showcase products, raise funds and, more importantly, challenge stereotypes about people with disabilities. Community sensitization programs are carried out in schools, children camps, and rural communities to raise awareness of the economic and environmental benefits of sustainable practices.

Kimuli fashionability is at the forefront of empowering and sustainable fashion in Uganda. You can support their campaign by purchasing a product here.