Engineering can restore: Q&A with Collins from EarthEnable

From civil engineering to nature-based construction at EarthEnable and finding purpose in impact

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Pauline Ronoh & Ian Musembi
November 06, 2025 • Today's reading time: 3 minutes

Hey,

Welcome to Green Jobs Rising!

Meet Collins: The engineer building for people and the planet 

Source: Continent Rising

I’m Mbabazi Collins, a 26-year-old civil engineering technician and Quality Assurance Junior Manager with EarthEnable Uganda. I’m passionate about nature-based construction, building homes that are strong, affordable and kind to the environment.

Collins started in mainstream engineering but soon realised something was missing. 

We talked about protecting the environment, but it wasn’t a core value. When I joined EarthEnable, I saw that engineering doesn’t have to destroy, it can restore.

He discovered EarthEnable on LinkedIn. 

They were using clay, soil, murram and water to build homes. I thought, ‘Is this real?’ I decided to give it a try, and it changed my life.

Transitioning to green building wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. 

I had to unlearn cement and steel, and embrace clay floors and earthen plasters. But the joy comes from seeing how these natural materials create beautiful, lasting homes, and happy families.

So what makes your work fulfilling?

It’s the impact. As quality assurance, I wake up every day to track quality, to guide the people constructing, to help them get the best outcome. When you see what you are tracking bringing good results, you go home knowing the impact is real, because the product will last longer. When clients smile because their homes are healthier and dust-free, that's purpose. It’s more than construction; it’s transformation.

And your advice to young people exploring green careers?

Start small, but start now. Don’t wait for the perfect job or the highest salary. Use every opportunity to learn, grow and make a difference. Green jobs aren’t just for scientists; whether you’re an engineer, artist, carpenter or entrepreneur, there’s space for you in this movement.

Sometimes we apply for jobs and never get feedback, don’t lose hope. Keep pressing. The world is changing fast, and those who adapt with creativity and purpose will lead. The future belongs to those who build differently.

Your parting words:

We are a generation that must build differently, not just for profit, but for people and the planet. As an engineer, every brick you lay, every beam you cast, every design you make can be a step towards a cleaner and healthier Africa.

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