Ugandan innovators get Shs 205m to scale agricultural solutions

What the report says

Young Ugandan innovators and entrepreneurs have received Shs 205 million in catalytic financing to help scale agricultural technologies and agribusiness ventures, according to The Observer. The awards were announced on Thursday at the AYuTe Africa Challenge Uganda Season Five gala at Sheraton Hotel Kampala, under the theme “Go Big. Go Bold.” The programme is aimed at practical solutions for problems facing farmers and wider agricultural value chains.

The report says this year’s competition drew 836 applications, up from 307 in 2025, with entrants competing in agritech and agribusiness tracks. The agritech side focused on youth-led ideas in areas such as climate-smart farming, livestock and aquaculture tools, post-harvest handling, mechanisation, energy, digital markets and farm finance. The Busoga agribusiness track centered on adding value to produce and turning agricultural waste into commercial products.

William Matovu of Heifer International Uganda said the growing number of applications reflected stronger interest among young people in solving agricultural challenges through innovation. He said AYuTe in Uganda, launched in 2022, is designed to offer financing, mentorship, incubation and access to networks, and he noted that the latest winners would also receive support to help move from prototypes toward sustainable businesses.

Science, technology and innovation minister Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki urged the beneficiaries to see the money as a starting point and to keep their focus on commercialisation and customer needs. The programme matters because it links youth entrepreneurship to food security, rural productivity and job creation in Uganda.