In February 2023, the land revealed itself — vast dry grasslands, gazetted reserves, and the closeness of Murchison Falls National Park alongside the upcoming Tilenga Oil and Gas Central Processing Facility. What began as practicality transformed into possibility. This was not only a place to solve an immediate need, but a location with strategic value: positioned at the intersection of industry, tourism, and community. Epic Cottages would become more than shelter; it would be a sanctuary that welcomed people from far beyond Buliisa, while remaining deeply rooted in it.
From the start, construction and nature grew side by side. As buildings rose, gardens were planted. Trees took root, cooling the land naturally and bringing it to life. Guided by hands‑on experience in waste management, every choice was deliberate — how to reduce waste, how to respect what already existed, and how to work in harmony with the environment.
As the project progressed, I discovered a deep passion for design and a clear direction: a deliberate blend of modern comfort and cultural identity. International standards were balanced with natural textures, handmade elements, and references that honored Uganda’s spirit.
Buliisa itself guided the design. Fishing and cattle rearing are the heartbeat of the community, and Epic Cottages was intentionally connected to this life. Fishing boats became part of the gardens, cow hides were transformed into art, and familiar materials were reimagined with respect.
One small moment shaped everything. I noticed fallen weaver bird nests on the ground and turned them into light fittings. This connected with memories of my grandmother’s home, where paraffin lanterns brought warmth in the absence of electricity. That feeling inspired the lantern‑style lighting now used throughout the accommodation and in selected outdoor spaces.
At Epic Cottages, waste is never seen as an end, but as a beginning — something to be rethought before it is reused or repurposed. Wood offcuts, wine bottles, liquor bottles, and plastic bottles were transformed into lighting and décor, turning waste into beauty through intention and care.
I worked side by side with women and youth — most with no prior experience. Together, we shared ideas, learned by doing, and created the art pieces, interior and exterior designs, and landscaping of Epic Cottages. The wooden pieces were carefully carved by local talent, revealing the immense creativity that exists when people are given the right platform. Through this work, skills were built, confidence grew, jobs were created, unemployment was reduced, and social and economic lives were strengthened.
Each cottage is finished to the same high standard, yet no two are the same. Rooms are named after Ugandan tourist attractions, with images printed onto the wardrobes so that every room tells its own story.
I am deeply proud to be Ugandan. Epic Cottages stands as proof that when we rise together, empower our communities, and work as one, we create not only beautiful spaces, but a world where compassion leads, unity strengthens, and together, we create a future better than we found it.
