Uganda’s commitment to youth-led climate action took center stage as MTN Uganda, in partnership with the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) Uganda, announced the national winners of the PachiPandaUG25 Innovation Challenge on Friday.
The program successfully accelerated youth-led solutions focused on strengthening Uganda’s crucial food, energy, and water resilience.
Following months of intensive mentorship, technical refinement, and competitive pitching, three outstanding innovators were awarded cash prizes and the prestigious opportunity to represent Uganda on the continental stage.
The National Champions
The winners, who bagged varying cash prizes, presented innovative and practical solutions designed to address the urgent needs of Ugandan communities. They included:
1st Place (UGX 15M): Farm Gate Digital (Ruth Kyobutungi)
Solution Focus: The innovation is centered on digital tools for food security, market access, or smart agriculture to enhance farming resilience.
2nd Place (UGX 10M): The Kampala Buzzline (Hannington Sserwanga)
Solution Focus: The project tackles urban challenges related to sustainable energy, waste management, or water supply/efficiency in the capital.
3rd Place (UGX 5M): Eco Drop Project–BFC (Martin Kigozi)
Solution Focus: The project involves water conservation, harvesting, or purification technologies designed for community benefit.
These three national champions will now advance to the Africa Pachi Panda Finals in South Africa, competing against innovators from across the continent.
Building the Sustainable Future
The success of the challenge reaffirms the belief that young Ugandans are active participants in creating a sustainable tomorrow.
Sylvia Mulinge, the CEO of MTN Uganda, applauded the winners, stating:
“Uganda’s young innovators are not just imagining a sustainable future; they are building it. Their solutions speak directly to MTN’s Ambition 2025 priorities and the urgent needs of our communities.”
Ivan Tumuhimbise, the WWF Uganda Country Director, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the practical nature of the projects.
“The ideas we witnessed today are practical foundations for a resilient and sustainable future. With the right support, young people can create solutions that truly thrive and make a lasting difference,” Tumuhimbise said.
MTN Uganda and WWF remain committed to this partnership, ensuring that these climate-smart innovations are scaled up to build a greener and more resilient Uganda.
The challenge has since demonstrated the immense potential of empowering youth to solve complex, real-world problems.