Linda Mwenge, originally from Beni in the Democratic Republic of Congo, fled her hometown in 2018 due to insecurity and sought refuge in Uganda. Despite facing significant challenges, including language barriers and the need to work for survival, Linda pursued her passion for art. In 2024, she joined Opportunigee, an organization that empowers refugees to explore their creative talents, and soon began to develop her skills as a welding artist. Linda’s work focuses on metal sculptures, where she transforms raw materials into captivating and meaningful art. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, adaptation, and the power of creative expression, offering hope and inspiration to those who face adversity.

Patrick Muvunga is a designer, community organizer, and mentor based in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Patrick co-founded Opportunigee, a community of over 300 refugee entrepreneurs and innovators. With a background in mechanical engineering and architecture, Patrick has transformed Nakivale into a creative hub, where he uses his expertise to help community members develop prototypes and designs that address local problems. In addition to his work with Opportunigee, Patrick is the manager of UHURU, an innovation hub that provides training and mentorship to aspiring entrepreneurs. Through his work, Patrick has become a key figure in fostering creativity, innovation, and empowerment within the refugee community.

Aloysius Musumami, also known by his artistic name Zzigunga, is a visual artist who specializes in sculptures and paintings made from e-waste and other discarded materials. With a degree in Art and Industrial Design from Kyambogo University, Aloysius uses his work to confront the environmental challenges posed by electronic waste. His sculptures, made from motherboards, wires, and other electronic refuse, are a direct commentary on the growing issue of climate injustice and the improper disposal of electronics. Currently in residence at EcoArt Uganda, Aloysius is working on a series titled Climate Injustice, which explores the harmful effects of electronic waste on both the environment and human health. Aloysius's work reflects his deep concern for the planet, using art as a tool to educate and inspire action around climate issues.

Aliba Linda Suzan (b. 2002, Kampala) is a Ugandan visual artist who creates dynamic works that merge sculpture, painting, and digital art, using unconventional materials such as plastic waste, metallic rods, and woven metal. A graduate of Kyambogo University with a degree in Art and Industrial Design, Aliba explores deep themes of identity, feminism, environmental sustainability, and social justice. Her innovative approach to art transforms discarded plastic materials into intricate, layered paintings that address the pressing issue of single-use plastics and their detrimental impact on the environment. Through metal weaving and embossing, Aliba also pays homage to traditional African techniques while reinterpreting them in a contemporary context, ensuring cultural heritage remains relevant in modern art practices. Her powerful pieces, such as Lady with the African Hair and The Tomorrow I Wish For, emphasize resilience, hope, and the urgent need for environmental and gender justice.

Vanessa Zani, originally a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, has used her challenging life experiences as fuel for her artistic and entrepreneurial endeavors. Since seeking refuge in Uganda, Vanessa has joined Opportunigee, where she discovered her passion for welding and became a resident artist. In addition to her work as a welding artist, Vanessa launched a body lotion initiative that emphasizes the importance of healthy, natural skin care free from harmful chemicals. She is driven by a desire to inspire other women in her community, demonstrating that creativity and business can be powerful tools for empowerment and change.

Wilberforce Sserunjogi, known as Njogi, is a Ugandan sculptor and activist who transforms metal scrap into powerful sculptures that tackle socio-economic and environmental issues. His work focuses heavily on themes of climate change and social justice, using discarded materials such as scrap metal to create thought-provoking pieces that speak to the challenges facing Ugandan society. Njogi’s art engages the community by involving them in the creative process, making his sculptures not just objects of aesthetic value but also vehicles for social change and dialogue. As an advocate for sustainable practices, Njogi uses his platform to raise awareness about the environmental hazards of scrap metal and encourages viewers to reflect on the intersection of resource use, waste, and socio-economic injustice.

Kirisa Jackson is a contemporary visual artist based in Kira, Uganda, working primarily in painting and sculptural ceramics. His current work "Embrace Within" is a ceramics project designed to address the pressing need for open dialogue, education, and empathy regarding mental health issues within our communitie. Through intricately crafted decorative pieces adorned with relief designs symbolizing the call for togetherness and open dialogue on mental health, this project aims to provide a tangible representation of these often-intangible struggles. Accompanied by informational materials and workshops, "Embrace Within" seeks to raise awareness, destigmatize mental health, break down misconceptions, and create a supportive environment for individuals dealing with mental health challenges. Through artistic expression and community engagement, "Embrace Within" strives to promote understanding and acceptance of mental health issues, ultimately contributing to a culture of empathy and support.Jackson Kirisa is a contemporary visual artist based in Kira, Uganda, whose practice focuses on painting and sculptural ceramics. He explores themes of belonging, identity, and the interplay between humanity and its environment. His work delves into how individuals find harmony within themselves and their surroundings, often drawing inspiration from moments of thought and introspection.

Sarafina Kebirungi, also known as Kenji, is a textile artist from Uganda who specializes in macramé, tufting, weaving, and fabric decoration. Her work draws heavily from her upbringing in the Rwenzori Mountains, where the natural environment has had a profound influence on her artistic journey. Kenji’s designs focus on sustainable practices and the mindful use of natural materials. After earning a degree in Art and Industrial Design, she worked as a researcher in an architectural and interior design firm, where she deepened her understanding of materials' emotional impact in design. Kenji’s work continues to evolve as she explores innovative ways to use fibers and natural materials in art, aiming to create pieces that are both beautiful and sustainable.

Nabukenya Allen is a multifaceted Ugandan artist, fashion designer, and environmental activist whose work bridges the worlds of art and sustainable fashion. Her practice revolves around upcycling discarded materials, such as flip-flops, car tires, and other waste products, to create striking visual art and fashion designs. By repurposing these materials, Allen challenges societal views on waste, seeing it not as refuse but as potential for transformation. She innovatively creates paint by extracting powder from old flip-flops, which she then uses for both canvas paintings and textiles. Her fashion line incorporates woven tire yarns, presenting a fresh perspective on textile creation and sustainable fashion. Allen’s work not only serves as art but as a statement on the importance of recycling and eco-consciousness. Her passion for transforming waste into beauty invites audiences to rethink their relationship with materials and the environment.

Joachim Ogwado is a visual artist who works primarily with found material to explore his imagination, memory and present to inform his future self. He’s based in the central region of Uganda and his practice aims to engage his audience to reflect, relive and imagine new realities. Joachim is interested in exploration, experiments, teamwork and change. For his residency, Ogwado created sculptures out of recycled materials. His creations expressed explorations of memory, “going back in time, starting from my childhood, trying to relive it and re-experience it.”

Biography coming soon.

Bwiiza Christine is a conceptual artist born in December, 1998, in Uganda. Her work spans traditional art, digital design, and conceptual visualization, drawing inspiration from African experiences and global social issues. Bwiiza’s art highlights resilience, diversity, and the struggles that individuals face in navigating both corporate and artistic spaces. Her journey into the world of conceptual design began with her love for drawing, eventually expanding to a more refined understanding of the role art plays in shaping society. As a young adult, Bwiiza has become an advocate for integrating visual arts into the business world, showcasing how creative expression can merge with entrepreneurial vision.

Biography coming soon.

Pulis Palette is a Ugandan artist known for blending surrealistic painting and innovative sculpture to celebrate African cultural heritage. His work merges traditional themes with contemporary techniques, creating textured, layered paintings through thick paint application while maintaining smooth finishes. Influenced by illustrator Kwizera, he reimagines traditional narratives into visually provocative pieces.

Sculptural Practice Palette crafts sculptures from cement and recycled materials (metal, plastic), transforming discarded items into statements on resilience and environmental consciousness. His approach aligns with broader trends in contemporary African sculpture, which often repurposes materials to address social and ecological issues. Inspired by artist Kayanja, his works serve as both aesthetic objects and cultural critiques.

Cultural Mission and Ambitions Committed to preserving Uganda’s cultural identity, Palette plans to establish a gallery in Mbale to showcase his art and highlight the region’s heritage. His goal is to inspire future generations by demonstrating how ordinary materials can become extraordinary expressions of creativity and identity.

This synthesis of surrealism’s dreamlike imagery and African sculptural innovation positions Palette as a bridge between tradition and modernity, reflecting Uganda’s evolving artistic landscape.

Ruganzu Bruno Tusingwire is the Creative Director at Kijiji Art Lodges and serves as an artist in residence professor. His work blends artistic expression with design to foster creativity and environmental consciousness. Bruno is passionate about community engagement, often using his platform to explore themes of sustainability, creativity, and cultural preservation through art. He has played a pivotal role in creating spaces that not only showcase art but also encourage collaboration and dialogue around environmental issues and sustainable practices.