Three Ugandan youth-led enterprises developing solutions to environmental challenges have emerged winners of the 2026 PachiPanda Innovation Challenge, sharing Shs30 million in prize money and earning the opportunity to represent the country at a continental competition in South Africa.
Agrosap, Lutre Plastics and Reyre Blocks Ltd took the first, second and third positions respectively in the competition organised by MTN Uganda in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Uganda. The challenge seeks to support young entrepreneurs turning environmental problems into practical business solutions.
Garvin Billy Ssemyalo’s Agrosap emerged the overall winner, receiving Shs15 million for its innovation aimed at improving soil moisture retention to support crop growth throughout the planting season.
Lutre Plastics, led by Arther Lule and Sharma Kemigisha, finished as first runner-up and received Shs10 million. The enterprise produces boards from recycled plastics, offering an alternative use for plastic waste.
Rhona Janet Atugonza’s Reyre Blocks Ltd came third, taking home Shs5 million. The enterprise converts discarded tyres into construction materials, providing an alternative to tyre burning and reducing reliance on sand.
The three enterprises will represent Uganda at the Africa PachiPanda Challenge finals in South Africa in February 2027.
The competition, held under the theme, “Nature Meets Innovation: Unlocking Africa’s Green Economy”, attracted more than 300 applications. Fifteen innovators and youth-led businesses were selected for the national finals and participated in a boot camp from October 21 to 23, where they received business training and mentorship to improve their innovations and presentation skills.
MTN Uganda chief executive officer Sylvia Mulinge said the initiative was intended to help young people turn environmental challenges into viable business opportunities.
” PachiPanda demonstrates what is possible when we bring together technology, sustainability and entrepreneurship. Environmental challenges can also be opportunities to build businesses, create jobs and improve livelihoods,” Mulinge said.
WWF Uganda executive director Ivan Tumuhimbise said attention would now shift towards helping the selected innovations grow beyond the competition and produce tangible benefits for communities and the environment.
“Through PachiPanda, we are seeing innovators approach environmental challenges with creativity and an understanding of the opportunities that exist in the green economy. The next step is to help these solutions grow beyond the competition and deliver measurable benefits for communities and nature,” Tumuhimbise said.
The 2026 competition is the second edition to be held in Uganda. The inaugural cohort comprised FarmGate Digital, Kampala Buzzline and Bottle for Cash Eco-Drop, which represented Uganda at the continental competition in South Africa earlier this year.
The three enterprises developed solutions addressing different environmental concerns. FarmGate Digital focuses on reducing post-harvest food losses through improved market information and coordination, while Kampala Buzzline works to restore pollinator habitats through community conservation and digital mapping.
Bottle for Cash Eco-Drop uses smart collection bins and mobile-enabled rewards to encourage plastic collection and recycling. The enterprise also received the Bayobab Innovator’s Award at MTN Group level.
This year’s competition prioritised four areas: nature-based climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods; green enterprises; biodiversity and natural-resource conservation; and digital solutions for Africa’s green economy.
The initiative forms part of MTN Uganda’s sustainability strategy under its Ambition 2030 programme, through which the telecommunications company says it seeks to support innovations that protect natural resources, strengthen communities and create economic opportunities.
