Localworks

Building an East African Movement for Green Construction

Last Friday’s Circular Building Experience by CoolBricks Uganda brought together innovators, policymakers, and young changemakers united by a shared vision for a more sustainable, circular built environment in Uganda and beyond.

It was inspiring to witness the enthusiasm and creativity of a new generation reimagining how we build – from CoolBricks‘ unstabilised compressed earth blocks to engineered bamboo products showcased by Amabanda and Studio Akeka to our timber-based EcoPrefab range of prefabricated school buildings. All these innovations reflect a growing movement determined to make sustainable construction not just possible, but mainstream.

The energy in the room was contagious which was a clear signal that the future of green building in East Africa has already begun. The biggest roadblock is not a lack of regulatory frameworks or the unavailability of funding, but our own inability to think big and make the change happen. East Africa can become the world’s model region for green construction, and together we will make it work!

Building with Timber: Responsible Forestry and Green Construction

Date: 17th September 2025.
Online: Register here https://bit.ly/3Jww1PT
In-person: Fair Ventures’ Timber Innovation Centre, Kampala Road https://bit.ly/4fVvVgC

Meet the speakers
Gaster Kiyingi – Director, Tree Talk Plus

Gaster Kiyingi is the Director of Tree Talk Plus and a committed advocate for tree planting, sustainable forest management, and wood-use innovation. A strong supporter of FSC certification in Uganda, he has extensive experience in the forest sector, having worked with various national and international organizations. Now a consultant in forestry, environment, and natural resources management, he continues to promote conservation, sustainable wood value chains, and climate change resilience.

Milan Heilmann – Managing Director, SuperTimber 2000 & Head of Business Development, CPS Africa

He is leading efforts in sustainable urban development and establishing East Africa’s first engineered timber facility. His work focuses on leveraging technology and innovation to build local manufacturing, strengthen supply chains, and promote affordable, sustainable housing. Passionate about timber as a key material for Africa’s urban future, he positions his companies as leaders in circular, carbon-negative building systems that support communities, job creation, and green investment.

Edson Agume – Director Localworks; Director of Civil and Structural Engineering at Aquila Gallery Ltd.

Edson is a registered Civil Engineer and a corporate member of the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers, with over fifteen years of experience in structural and civil design and construction supervision. He is the lead structural engineer at Localworks, a multidisciplinary design and build collaborative based in Kampala, Uganda, specialising in the design and realisation of ecological architecture in East Africa. Edson focuses on the innovative use of local and natural materials, pushing their boundaries to create sustainable and contextually appropriate structures. He also serves as a trustee for the Localworks Foundation.

In EcoPrefab classrooms, the blackboard wall does more than hold chalk.

A narrow skylight just above it brings in soft, indirect daylight enough to illuminate the front of the room without glare. Made of a translucent sheet, it is wide enough to let a good amount of light into the classroom, but narrow enough not to reveal too much of the sheet’s discoloration that will naturally occur over time.

It’s a simple idea, but it makes a big difference. Teachers don’t have to squint in the dark or rely on artificial lights. Students can see the board clearly, even on cloudy days.

Lighting design doesn’t always need wires. Sometimes, a well-placed roof window does the job better.

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Entusi is a community-focused resort and retreat centre on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale.

Phase 1—renovation of the main building, reception, and dining area—is nearing completion. On our recent site visit, we were glad to see the suspended steel chimney fully installed. With snag rectification now underway, this phase is in its final stretch.