Bambusa vulgaris is a fast-growing bamboo species found abundantly across Uganda. Our team at the Localworks Foundation conducted the first comprehensive mechanical and sustainability analysis of this species from Uganda’s Lake Victoria agroecological zone; testing its bending, tensile, shear, and compressive strength under international standards (BS ISO 22157:2019 & ASTM D1037-12)

Refugee settlements are often established as temporary but remain in place for decades. Housing conditions rarely keep pace with this reality, with overcrowding, poor sanitation, and limited infrastructure affecting quality of life. The Prefabricated Relief Housing Research Project explores bamboo-based prefabrication as an alternative approach.