Collin Muhumuza is a Ugandan entrepreneur leading a company that transforms raw bamboo into high-quality products, including flooring, laminated boards, and roofing materials. He is the general manager of Amabanda Uganda, which processes bamboo into finished products in high demand both locally and in several European countries.
These bamboo products, a sustainable alternative to wood, have diverse applications. Amabanda’s processing facility, located outside Kampala, produces high-quality bamboo that can be used to create corrugated roofing sheets, tiles, and even fiberglass.
These sophisticated bamboo products are exported to Europe, where companies use advanced processing techniques to convert them into thin fibers. These fibers are then used in manufacturing materials for cars, airplanes, windmills, and the construction sector.
A Passion for Sustainable Development
Growing up in Uganda, Collin excelled academically and pursued higher education with determination. “I earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Marketing and Sales from Uganda Christian University. I also completed my Master of Business Administration at ISBAT University, focusing on operations management. I proceeded to obtain a PhD in Global Economics from August 2019 to June 2024 at Shandong University, Jinan in China, which has greatly expanded my understanding of economic principles on a global scale. I would say my academic journey has equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the business landscape effectively,” Collin explains.
“My passion for sustainable development and the potential of bamboo as a versatile resource drove me to join the team at Amabanda Uganda Limited. I wanted to be part of an enterprise that not only adds value to a local resource but also contributes to environmental sustainability and community empowerment.”
Overseeing Operations
As Amabanda Uganda’s general manager, Collin is responsible for ensuring smooth and efficient operations. “I oversee the daily operations, strategic planning, and business development. My role involves coordinating with various teams, ensuring product quality, and fostering partnerships that align with our mission.”
Collin finds fulfillment in leading a company that adds value in both Ugandan and foreign markets. “At Amabanda, we specialize in transforming raw bamboo into high-quality products that cater to both local and international markets. Our offerings include semi-processed products such as bamboo poles and strips, as well as fully processed items like bamboo flooring, laminated boards, roofing shingles, and bamboo chips for fiber extraction.”
Facing Challenges
Like many entrepreneurs, Collin and his team have encountered challenges. However, their determination and resilience have enabled them to overcome obstacles. Collin explains that their solutions often involve innovative thinking and collaboration with key stakeholders.
“One of the significant challenges we have encountered was an inability to source quality raw materials consistently, like glue. To overcome this, we have built strong relationships with local and international partners, ensuring a reliable supply chain while promoting sustainable bamboo practices.”
International Footprint
Amabanda Uganda’s achievements give Collin reason for optimism. A major accomplishment is exporting products to the European market. Positive feedback from clients and stakeholders also serves as a strong endorsement. “Among our notable achievements is the successful dispatch of six containers of bamboo chips to the Netherlands.
This, in itself, shows that what we are producing is of a very high international standard. We have also successfully launched our digital platforms, which have received positive feedback for their informative and sustainability content, and experienced growth in production capability as well as efficiency. Additionally, we have established partnerships with local construction firms, enhancing our product authenticity and community impact.”
Looking Ahead with Optimism
With a current staff of seventeen permanent and five casual workers, Amabanda is poised for growth. Collin plans to expand the company’s production capacity.
“Yes, we plan to expand our workforce as we receive more orders and grow our operations. This will not only enhance our production capacity but also create more job opportunities in the community. In the next five years, I aim to expand our product range, increase our market presence both locally and internationally, and enhance our sustainability practices. I also aspire to contribute to the local economy by creating more jobs and supporting community development initiatives,” Collin concludes.