Social Entrepreneur 

As the founder and CEO of EcoErudites Uganda, Ethol Amanda Natukunda  leads initiatives aimed at transitioning communities from traditional biomass fuels such as charcoal and firewood to clean cooking energy alternatives like cooking biogas. This transition not only offers a more affordable and reliable energy source for communities but also significantly reduces health risks associated with smoke inhalation and mitigates environmental degradation caused by deforestation. ​

With inception from the UNICEF Youth Innovation Challenge, Ethol led her team (EcoErudites Uganda) to develop an innovative approach to address the proliferation of water hyacinths on Lake Victoria. Their dense mat not only hinders navigation across the water affecting fishing activities but also affects water levels through siltation which fouls the breeding, nesting and nursery grounds of inshore fishes. The underlying water column often contains little or no oxygen resulting in high methane production rates and high methane emission intensities.  Further still, as the weeds die, organic debris accumulates at the bottom of the water body creating shallow water environments less suitable for fish growth. Its ability to lower oxygen dissolution into the water lowers available dissolved oxygen in the water.

Ethol and her team are transforming this invasive aquatic plant into valuable resources. Harvesting the water weed first from the water, Ethol is converting it into biogas for cooking, nutrient-rich fertilizers, creating an income stream out of a society nuisance the water hyacinth while contributing to environmental conservation.

Biogas adoption has long been confined to those with large landholdings and livestock, leaving urban dwellers and small-space residents behind. Ethol, through EcoErudites Uganda, is shattering this status quo by innovatively packaging biogas into compact, portable, and affordable cans. This pioneering approach democratizes access to clean cooking fuel, empowering households of all sizes and locations to adopt this sustainable cooking energy solution biogas which not only addresses cooking energy poverty but also the waste situation in the country. By breaking down barriers, Ethol is paving the way for a more inclusive, sustainable cooking energy future - not just in Uganda, but across Africa. 

Beyond her work with EcoErudites Uganda, Ethol founded Alma’h Gardeners Village, a movement dedicated to restoring green cover across Africa. The initiative focuses on tree planting, sustainable landscaping, home gardening alongside farm establishment and the distribution of high-quality seedlings, aiming to combat deforestation and promote biodiversity foster community engagement and environmental stewardship, support sustainable development and climate resilience.​ 

Her multifaceted efforts exemplify a holistic approach to environmental stewardship, emphasizing the interconnectedness of clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and community development.​