Ainembabazi, Martha2026-03-192026-03-192025-11Ainembabazi, M. (2025). Upcycling textile waste into baby carriers for young mothers in Makindye, Kampala district.Kyambogo University (Unpublished work)https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12504/2770xi, 104 p. : col.Uganda's growing urban textile waste issue presents both an environmental challenge and an opportunity for sustainable innovation. Despite their potential for reuse, old household textiles are often thrown away, especially in low-income areas where resources are scarce. However, these textiles could be repurposed to create useful products for the community. For example, young mothers in the care of their infants. Using a circular design approach, the current study aimed to develop baby carriers for young mothers in Makindye division to improve their ability to care for their babies while also contributing to protecting the environment. The study explored how household textile waste could be upcycled into cost-effective, versatile, and sustainable baby carriers suitable for new mothers. It also aimed to identify surface decoration methods that enhance aesthetic and cultural appeal, and employed participatory studio practices to create user-informed prototypes. Data was collected through interviews, observations, and hands-on studio experiments within a case study framework guided by an exploratory qualitative methodology. Participants included five tailors, five young mothers, and five households from Kisugu in Makindye Division. The iterative process of developing carrier prototypes was guided by thematic analysis of the collected data. The findings showed that although household textile waste has drawbacks such as decreased durability and inconsistent quality, it could still be used as a material if it is carefully selected and reinforced. Mothers prioritized ergonomic comfort, affordability, and cultural aesthetics over structural limitations. Techniques like patchwork, topstitching, and layering improved both appearance and functionality. Ergonomic straps, reinforced panels, and storage features were incorporated into prototypes modeled after the curves of bananas and banana leaves. The study concluded by demonstrating how carefully considered, context-sensitive design can successfully transform household textile waste such as discarded cotton, denim, and bedsheets into affordable and practical baby carriers. The prototypes drew inspiration from locally recognized natural shapes, particularly the curves of bananas and banana leaves, to represent ergonomic needs and local identity. By promoting responsible consumption and production through material reuse and participatory design, the research advances Sustainable Development Goal 12 and offers, a viable solution that addresses community needs for maternal caregiving and environmental sustainability.enTextile wasteRecyclingUpcycling (Waste materials)Textile fabricsReuseUgandaThesis