From Landfills to Luxury: How my Travel Experience to Karamoja Inspired My Fashion Revolution
Fashion has always been my passion, but it wasn’t until I travelled to Karamoja in 2018 that I truly experienced and understood the global impact of the industry. This Karamoja travel experience not only opened my eyes to the environmental and social issues surrounding fast fashion but also inspired me to reimagine my work as a designer. In this blog, I share the story of how Karamoja shaped my vision for sustainable fashion, and why it continues to inspire me to this day.
Discovering Karamoja: A Region of Resilience and Rich History
Nestled in northeastern Uganda, Karamoja is a region of breathtaking beauty and rich cultural heritage. Its vast landscapes, framed by rugged mountains and open skies, exude a sense of serenity that’s hard to put into words. But beneath this natural splendour lies a history of resilience. For decades, Karamoja has faced challenges such as poverty, limited resources, and the impacts of climate change. They don’t call the Karamojong ‘Warriors’ for nothing.
When I first arrived in Karamoja, I was struck by the warmth and hospitality of its people. Despite the hardships they endure, there’s an unshakable spirit of perseverance and creativity that permeates their communities. This contrast between their struggles and their strength left a deep impression on me. Everyone was smiling, despite they had nothing. It was such a contradiction to the western world.
Craftsmanship in Karamoja: Aloe Vera and Goat Leather
One of the most memorable things during my Karamoja travel experience was visiting a community that cultivated Aloe Vera for the Western market. It was fascinating to see how this natural resource, so deeply rooted in their land, became a valuable product for export.
Alongside this, I also witnessed the traditional process of making leather from goat hides. After the goats had been used for food, their hides were meticulously treated and tanned using age-old methods. The process wasn’t glamorous—the smell was overwhelming—but it was a beautiful demonstration of resourcefulness and craftsmanship. Watching this leather-making process reinforced my appreciation for the sustainable use of resources and the incredible skills within these communities.
From Landfills to Inspiration: Eye-Opening Experiences in Kampala
Later during the trip it was Njola, a talented Ugandan designer, who introduced me to the landfills just outside of Kampala. She visits these sites regularly, sourcing discarded materials like tyres and flip-flops to create stunning bags and accessories. Her ability to transform waste into beautiful, purposeful items was both humbling and inspiring, and it deeply influenced my understanding of sustainability and creativity.
It were also the suburbs of Kampala that offered another reality check. Here, I saw the strong realities of poverty and how global issues intersect with local lives. The overwhelming presence of second-hand clothing stood out to me as a vivid reminder of the consequences of global overconsumption. These garments, often donated by Western countries, flood local markets but come with unintended consequences. Many of these clothes are sold at prices that the community cannot afford, while others end up in massive landfills, contributing to environmental degradation.
The Dark Side of Second-Hand Fashion
What I witnessed in Karamoja and Kampala was a microcosm of a much larger problem. The Western world’s culture of overconsumption has led to a deluge of second-hand clothing being shipped to regions like Karamoja. Initially intended as charitable donations, these garments often create more harm than good.
Local markets become saturated with low-quality, discarded clothing, undermining the traditional craftsmanship of local artisans. Even worse, many of these items are unsuitable for the climate or lifestyle, rendering them useless. The excess ends up in landfills, where non-biodegradable textiles pollute the environment for decades. Seeing this first-hand was a wake-up call for me. It made me question the lifecycle of the clothes we wear and where they ultimately end up.
The Lifespan of Fashion and the Need for Change
My experiences in Karamoja and Kampala forced me to confront the reality of fast fashion—its short lifespan and devastating consequences. It became clear that the current system is unsustainable. We’ve normalised a throwaway culture, where clothing is seen as disposable rather than valuable.
This realisation was a turning point for me. I began to understand the urgency of shifting towards a more sustainable fashion model, one that prioritises quality over quantity. Clothing should be designed to last, not just in terms of durability but also in timelessness and versatility. This approach benefits not only the environment but also the people involved in the production process.
Collaborating with Ugandan Designers: A Step Towards Sustainability
My first trip to Karamoja in 2018 wasn’t just about observation; it was about action. I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with local Ugandan designers like Njola and Xenson to create sustainable clothing pieces. These collaborations were deeply enriching, blending traditional techniques with modern designs to produce garments that honoured both heritage and innovation.
Working alongside these designers taught me invaluable lessons about the importance of cultural appreciation and ethical production. Together, we crafted pieces that were not only beautiful but also meaningful. This experience reinforced my belief that fashion has the power to empower communities and preserve cultural identities.
Continued Inspiration: Why Karamoja Keeps Calling Me Back
Since that first trip, I have returned to Karamoja numerous times. Each visit deepens my appreciation for the region and its people. The landscapes, the artistry, and the resilience of the communities continue to inspire my work. Karamoja has become a wellspring of creativity for me, reminding me why I started designing in the first place.
It are also all these Karamoja travel experiences that have shaped the new direction of my brand. At JANBOELO, I’ve incorporated the principles I learned in Karamoja—focusing on sustainability, storytelling, and empowerment. The goal is to create clothing that tells a story, connects people, and leaves a positive impact on the world.
Quality Over Quantity
If there’s one message I hope to share through this journey, it’s the importance of embracing a sustainable fashion mindset. We need to move away from the throwaway culture that dominates the industry and adopt practices that prioritise quality and longevity.
As consumers, we have the power to make a difference. By supporting brands that value sustainability and ethical production, we can drive change. By choosing quality over quantity, we reduce waste and honour the craftsmanship behind each garment. Fashion should be about connection—to the people who make our clothes, to the planet, and to ourselves.
Conclusion: The Power of Change Through Fashion
My first trip to Uganda taught me invaluable lessons about the fashion industry and its impact on the world. It showed me the importance of sustainability, the value of cultural heritage, and the need for responsible consumption. These insights have reshaped my vision for fashion, pushing me to create designs that are not only beautiful but also meaningful.
As I continue this journey, I’m committed to integrating these principles into my work. Fashion has the power to inspire change, and together, we can build a more sustainable future. Let’s celebrate the stories behind our clothes and embrace a new way of thinking about what we wear. Because fashion, at its best, is a force for good.
Want to travel to Karamoja and experience the real beauty of this unique region? Then read my story about Elgon Safaris Uganda and discover how they take you to hidden gems. For the perfect atmosphere on the road, listen to the East African Journeys playlist – the ultimate soundtrack to adventures in East Africa!