Koboko, Uganda: From Waste to Wealth

In 2025, the Municipality of Koboko, Uganda, was selected as a grantee of the Global Cities Fund for Migrants and Refugees (GCF), the MMC’s instrument to channel international funding directly to cities to implement inclusive projects of their own design. With support from the GCF, Koboko will create green jobs for women and youth to produce and sell alternative energy and recycled products, through briquette making, composting, and clean energy kiosks. The project powers a circular economy, reduces pollution, and expands access to sustainable livelihoods in displacement-affected communities

Koboko Municipality is home to over 25,000 migrants and refugees, who make up 25 percent of the overall population. The municipality has experienced rapid population growth over the past decade, in part due to the arrival of refugees from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). While the city government has welcomed newcomers, resource constraints have made it difficult to meet the needs of its growing population. 

Among the main challenges the city government faces are inadequate solid waste management, environmental degradation, and limited employment opportunities for refugees and locals alike. Indeed, 80 percent of Koboko’s migrants and refugees struggle to find income-generating livelihoods, while 99 percent of all residents rely on non-renewable fuels for daily activities, polluting the environment and creating public health hazards. 

Check back later for more updates about Koboko’s grant!

Check back later for more updates about Koboko’s grant!