David Monday’s journey from the quiet hills of Kasese District in Uganda to becoming a renowned entrepreneur and environmental advocate is as inspiring as it is transformative. Born and raised in the Kilembe Quarters, beside the life-threatening trench from the towering Rwenzori Mountains to the lush Queen Elizabeth National Park, David’s early life was marred by an unexpected tragedy.
On that heart-wrenching night of June 13th, 2007, David’s world shattered alongside the crashing torrents that swept through Nyakasanga and Kanyengeya. The relentless rain transformed the familiar landscape into a ruthless river, erasing homes and dreams in the blink of an eye. As the water surged, so did the cries of despair from families clinging to hope amidst the chaos. Tragically, for David, the flood claimed the life of his beloved brother, leaving a void that would never be filled. The echoes of that night resonate in his heart, a haunting reminder of love lost and a community forever changed.
“I will never forget that night. It changed my life forever,” he recalls. It was in the wake of this tragedy that David found his purpose—his desire to not only rebuild his community but to transform the challenges they faced into opportunities for growth and resilience.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) and a transformative stint at the Social Innovation Academy in 2014, David began his entrepreneurial journey. In 2015, he co-founded Upcycle Africa, an initiative aimed at turning plastic waste into something useful. But it was in 2022 that he founded Pendeza Shelters, a company that would become his life’s mission: to provide affordable housing while simultaneously tackling the plastic waste crisis.
Pendeza Shelters: Building Homes and Careers from Plastic Waste
At the heart of Pendeza Shelters is a simple yet revolutionary idea: repurpose plastic waste into eco-friendly building materials for low-cost homes. The company’s eco-bricks, made from 15,000 to 25,000 recycled plastic bottles, have become a cornerstone of its operations. “Each house takes roughly three months from start to finish and is made out of approximately 15,000-25,000 eco-bricks,” said David.
Each brick is compacted, durable, and sustainable, solving the housing crisis and the mounting plastic waste problem. For David, the decision to use plastic waste was personal: “We’re not just building homes; we’re transforming waste into something valuable,” he says, his voice full of conviction.
The company’s innovative construction materials are making waves not only in Uganda but also across Africa. Through Pendeza Shelters, David has constructed over 55 homes, mostly for vulnerable communities, including disaster-affected families and low-income households. The company’s headquarters are located in Mayembe Upper, Mpigi District, with a field office in Kasese, where David’s roots run deep.
But Pendeza Shelters is about more than just eco-bricks and affordable housing—it’s about creating jobs, especially for marginalized groups. By using a labor-based approach to construction, David’s company engages communities, particularly women, youth, and people with disabilities, providing them with much-needed employment opportunities. “Every house we build is not just about shelter; it’s about empowering the community,” David shares. “It’s about providing skills and creating a workforce that can lift itself up.”
Through his innovative construction methods, David has provided over 6,600 employment opportunities, which include both full-time staff and contractual workers. “The labor model isn’t just cost-effective—it’s sustainable and inclusive,” he adds. This approach has helped bridge the 81% youth unemployment gap in Uganda, which is a significant challenge for the country’s economic development.
In terms of environmental impact, Pendeza Shelters has collected over 1,000,000 plastic bottles, repurposing them into eco-bricks and other products. David’s efforts have led to more than 650,000 plastic bottles being recycled into usable materials. His company continues to make significant strides in the realm of environmental sustainability while also addressing housing shortages in Uganda and beyond.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
David’s entrepreneurial journey has been filled with challenges, from financial constraints to resistance against his new construction technology. One of the biggest hurdles was the limited access to funding. Sustainable housing, as David explains, is capital-intensive. “Most of our resources come from the contracts we execute, but it’s not enough to foster innovation,” he admits. To overcome this, the company diversified its revenue streams by selling excess plastic waste to recycling companies, making eco-friendly products like bags, and seeking impact investments and grants.
Another significant challenge was overcoming skepticism about the durability of the eco-bricks. Many clients, especially those from rural areas, preferred traditional materials like cement and bricks. “We had to demonstrate that our materials were not only strong but also environmentally responsible,” David explains. This led to partnerships with the Ministry of Land, Housing, and Urban Development (MLHUD), which tested and certified the eco-bricks. Today, those same eco-bricks are used in homes across Uganda and even in countries like South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
David also faced a “shortage of skilled workers familiar with our technology.” To address this, David’s company took a proactive approach by “training youth and community members in sustainable construction techniques as part of every project we implement.” This not only created employment opportunities but also ensured a steady pool of skilled workers.
Another challenge was convincing clients, especially in rural areas, to adopt sustainable housing methods. David notes that “education is key,” and that through community engagement and demonstrations, they were able to showcase the benefits of sustainable materials, including “cost-effectiveness, durability, and environmental impact.” Additionally, logistical challenges, such as sourcing enough plastic waste and transporting materials, were overcome by employing community members as waste pickers and building partnerships with waste collection groups and local recycling initiatives.
David’s company has also been instrumental in promoting community awareness and advocacy. Through quarterly campaigns, Pendeza Shelters educates communities about the benefits of recycling plastic and the importance of sustainable housing. “Awareness is key,” David says, “Because without the communities on board, no solution can work.”
Impact Beyond Uganda: Scaling Up the Vision
The impact of Pendeza Shelters is not confined to Uganda. Through international collaborations, the company has expanded its reach to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and the DRC, providing sustainable housing solutions in regions grappling with similar environmental and housing issues. “Our approach has attracted global attention, and we are now actively exploring collaborations with international partners to expand our impact even further,” David shares, excited about the prospects ahead.
Furthermore, David is innovating within the company. Pendeza Shelters is developing new building materials from leftover plastic waste, ensuring that every scrap is used efficiently. The company is also working on rubber-based roofing as an alternative to traditional iron sheets, which can be expensive and environmentally damaging. These innovations reflect David’s constant drive to improve and adapt, ensuring that Pendeza Shelters remains at the forefront of the green construction movement.
One of the standout programs launched by Pendeza Shelters is the Home Basket Program, a community-driven initiative that encourages local residents to collect plastic waste. The program not only helps manage waste but also generates a steady supply of material for construction, fostering greater community involvement. “We want to ensure that the communities are not just recipients of our work but active participants,” David says, highlighting the program’s impact on local engagement and sustainability.
David’s Successes: A Legacy of Transformation
David’s journey with Pendeza Shelters has led to a series of remarkable successes that are a testament to his innovative approach and determination. To date, the company has constructed over 55 eco-friendly houses, providing sustainable and affordable shelter for low-income families and disaster-affected communities. In doing so, David has also created over 6,600 jobs, empowering marginalized groups, including women, youth, and people with disabilities. His dedication to environmental sustainability is reflected in the fact that over 1,000,000 plastic bottles have been recycled into eco-bricks and other construction materials, significantly reducing waste and contributing to greener communities.
As the company’s reputation grew, Pendeza Shelters expanded internationally, with projects in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), spreading sustainable housing solutions across the continent. Additionally, David’s commitment to community development has led to training over 145 individuals in eco-friendly construction techniques, equipping them with valuable skills for the future. Through these efforts, David’s vision has not only changed the landscape of affordable housing but has also fostered environmental responsibility and empowered thousands of individuals across Uganda and beyond.
Aside from his work with Pendeza, David is a business coach at Jangu International, an organization that empowers youth by providing a platform to start their own projects and initiatives. He is also a business trainer at the HerStart program, where he supports women entrepreneurs in structuring and scaling their businesses.
Future Vision: A Greener, More Inclusive Africa
Looking ahead, David’s vision for Pendeza Shelters is clear: a greener, more sustainable Africa where communities thrive in harmony with nature. The company’s work will continue to focus on affordable housing, eco-friendly construction, and community empowerment, while also expanding its impact across the continent.
David’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs in this field is simple but profound: “Stay focused on your vision. The road is tough, but persistence, innovation, and the desire to make a difference will see you through.” He also stresses the importance of impact over finances—a philosophy that has driven the success of his ventures.
“We’re not just building homes,” David concludes with pride, “We’re building a legacy of transformation. And that’s the real success.”
