Transforming Nateete, a Permaculture Journey
After the Kabaka Saga of Bugerere (2009 ). By Ali Tebandeke
In 2009, my hometown of Nateete, Kampala, was at the heart of a storm. The famous Kabaka Saga of Bugerere shook the region, leaving communities in turmoil, destruction of properties, untold suffering, imprisonment, etc, and our once-thriving urban spaces abandoned . The streets that once showcased vibrant roadside planters with beautiful flowers, carefully planted to beautify our environment, were now empty, neglected, and vandalised. The public spaces that had been meant to elevate our community spirit now stood as stark reminders of a broken past.
I remember the frustration that engulfed me and my fellow youths as we watched the greenery that once flourished in our neighbourhood fade away . The beauty, the peace, and the hope that the planters symbolised were lost, and with them, the vision of a cleaner, greener, and more vibrant Nateete seemed like a distant dream.
But instead of mourning, we decided to act.
Just after completing my Permaculture Design Course (PDC) 2017, I found a purpose. The teachings I had learned about sustainability, ecological restoration, and community empowerment resonated deeply with me. I knew we had the tools to rebuild, not just physically but environmentally and socially.
My fellow youths and I came together, united by a shared vision to bring life back to our community.
In collaboration with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) , we embarked on a bold journey to reclaim the green spaces and transform Nateete. We presented the Permaculture Model as a solution, a sustainable and holistic approach that aligned perfectly with the needs of our urban environment. With a green light from KCCA, we set out to restore the abandoned planters, turning them into symbols of resilience, beauty, and unity.
The Transformation Begins
Our project wasn't about just planting flowers again; it was about reimagining the spaces as hubs of growth, education, and community engagement. We used permaculture principles to design urban gardens that supported local diversity, improved air quality, and provided herbs for the community. Instead of planting only ornamentals, we integrated pollinators, drought-resistant and native species, focusing on sustainable land management practices that would thrive with minimal maintenance.
After 9 nine years, what was a desolate space became a thriving garden. We introduced:
1. Composting for recycling organic waste for Soil regeneration
2. Minimal water use by integrating less water-thirsty plants during dry seasons
3. Community workshops among residents, street vendors, and youths on urban farming & sustainable agriculture
The project quickly gained momentum. As KCCA renovated the broken planters, donated tools, exchanged visits to their municipal farms, etc., and more community members got involved, everyone saw the value of transforming these green spaces. Slowly, the faces of residents began to change, too. What was once an area known for its dilapidation and despair began to radiate a sense of ownership, pride, and shared responsibility.
The Environmental Impact
The environmental transformation was profound. The green spaces we cultivated brought beauty back to the town and contributed significantly to the environment.
By incorporating permaculture techniques, we:
•Enhanced local biodiversity
•Improved air quality
•Reduced urban heat
•Promoted water conservation
The Social Impact
But the true magic happened at the community level. Through the project, we:
•Empowered youth by providing them with opportunities for hands-on learning in permaculture, gardening and environmental stewardship, many of them once unemployed, now had a sense of purpose, skills to share with their families and the broader community.
•Fostered community engagement
•Created a sense of pride within the community. The streets of Nateete no longer felt like forgotten spaces; they became a symbol of resilience and hope. People began to feel connected to their environment, taking pride in keeping it clean and beautiful, etc
Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Change
Today, the streets of Nateete are not only a testament to the power of the community but also to the transformative potential of sustainable design . What began as a grassroots initiative has now become a model for other neighbourhoods, proving that permaculture and community-driven solutions can rebuild not only physical spaces but also social and environmental resilience.
As I reflect on this journey, I am proud of how far we've come. The Permaculture Design Course gave us the tools to turn adversity into opportunity, and with it, we've created a lasting impact on both the environment and the lives of the people in Nateete. Our once neglected green spaces now serve as living classrooms, teaching the next generation about sustainability, environmental stewardship, and community resilience.
This story is a reminder that transformation begins with a single idea- and the courage to act. The road to a more sustainable and united future is one we continue to build together, one planter at a time.
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Great stuff Ali. Love the one achievable step/planter at a time and the way the momentum builds and spills out into other areas and systems. You should be rightly proud!