Abdul Semakula

In this episode, Ugandan innovator Abdul Semakula shares his
profound journey from being a software developer to a leader in
regenerative design. He argues that the global poly-crisis—from
climate change to social breakdown—stems not from a list of
problems to be solved, but from a fundamental broken relationship
between humans and nature.

Abdul explains that the conventional "problem-solution" mindset
often creates a "hamster wheel" of unintended consequences and
wicked problems. The regenerative approach, he learned, is to
shift focus from fixing what's broken to identifying and
nurturing the inherent potential within a community and its
place. This work is deeply rooted in rediscovering core
principles like the importance of place (our local bio-region),
the African philosophy of Ubuntu (which emphasizes our nested
interdependence with the whole), and our true human role as
stewards of life.

He offers a powerful example from his work in Uganda, where by
creating safe spaces and facilitating a process of collective
dreaming, he has inspired 92% of local landowners to collaborate
on restoring a wetland and building a regenerative economy. His
story is a compelling case for how rediscovering who we are and
our connection to place can unlock the agency needed to build a
thriving future.