Uganda
Mukisa Mpewo Clay Works Project
The Mukisa Mpewo Clay Works Project is a partnership of women working together in Kyotera, in the Rakai District of Southern Uganda. The Project was conceived as a way for the women to improve their social status.
Rakai District is rich in red clay and kaolin which are used to make beautiful traditional products. The women of Mukisa Mpewo Clay Works and Handcraft make these clay works and sell them in a number of outlets in Uganda, including the stalls at the old National Theatre in Kampala.
The pottery is molded in the "green" level (dry) fired to a bisque finish and re-fired using a special technique. The finished pots keep hot liquids hot and cold liquids cold for a long period.
The objectives of the Project are to:
- Promote traditional art and design
- Optimize the use of the products
- Strengthen pottery and ceramics production in Rakai District
- Train women and upgrade production skills
- Create pottery as sure income generating activity
- Introduce and strengthen appropriate technology in order to reduce human energy and environmental degradation