Turning paper bags into money

Creating employment. Andrew Mapuya’s paper bag business employs about 18 people including a 58-year old father.

He is young but focused. His ambitions and attitude gets better by the day. And he seems to possess a go-getter attitude.
Out of hundreds of applications, Andrew Mapuya’s idea excited the audience and the judges, including Ethan Musolini, a motivational speaker, Beatrice Alyanata, a business advocate and Charles Odongtho a journalist.

The paper bag idea made Mapuya to come off as the best young entrepreneur, bringing him closer to winning Shs30 million.
In his presentation recently Mapuya said: “My dream is to limit the use of polythene papers. I know I can do it but if only I get the means to produce paper bags in large quantities.”
Mapuya employs about 18 people; among them a 58-year old father and he wants to employ more youths through creating an efficient production line and systems.

Since the government had attempted to ban the use of some types of polythene bags, the process has been frustrated, which has prevented the likes Mapuya to benefit from their innovations.
The government had said then that some polythene bags have a negative impact on the environment.

Polythene bags are non-biodegradable, which negatively affects the environment and the health of some animal and plant species.
Careless dumping of polythene bags has also led to blocking of sewer lines, and water percolation into the soil, which makes Mapuya’s business a reasonable alternative.

However, one of Mapuya’s biggest challenges is to up his sales through convincing the public and large entities like supermarkets to buy his products.

Like many entrepreneurs, he has the idea. And he has since demonstrated that it can work out. For now the next phase is sourcing for capital.

If he wins the Shs30 million National Youth Competition challenge in innovation and entrepreneurship - it will be a real breakthrough for the budding entrepreneur in the making.

The other four contestants in the central division include Harriet Kobugabe - laundry, Christopher Komakech an importer and exporter, Denis Kasule packaging and Mathew Kiseka health products.
Although Mapuya finished ahead of them, business minds like Dr Maggie Kigozi and motivational speaker Ethan Musolini said they all have what it takes to succeed.

iladu@ug.nationmedia.com