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Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | MTN Uganda and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Uganda have announced the winners of the 2026 PachiPanda Innovation Challenge, recognising three Ugandan innovators developing solutions to environmental challenges while creating economic opportunities.
The second edition of the youth-focused competition seeks to empower young entrepreneurs and youth-led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to transform environmental challenges into practical, scalable and commercially viable solutions that deliver environmental, social and economic benefits.
Held under the theme “Nature Meets Innovation: Unlocking Africa’s Green Economy,” the challenge attracted more than 300 applications. Fifteen innovators and youth-led enterprises were selected for the national finals after an initial assessment and participated in a bootcamp held from 21 to 23 October 2026.
During the bootcamp, participants received business training and mentorship to strengthen their business models, refine their innovations and improve their pitches ahead of the final competition.
Agrosap, led by Garvin Billy Ssemyalo, emerged as the overall winner and will receive UGX 15 million. The innovation focuses on improving water retention in soil, helping maintain the moisture needed to support crop growth throughout the planting period.
Lutre Plastics, led by Arther Lule and Sharma Kemigisha, finished as the first runner-up, earning UGX 10 million. The enterprise produces boards from recycled plastics, offering an alternative use for plastic waste.
Reyre Blocks Ltd, led by Rhona Janet Atugonza, placed third and will receive UGX 5 million. Its innovation transforms discarded tyres into sustainable construction materials, helping address the environmental challenges associated with tyre burning and the heavy reliance on sand.
The three winners will represent Uganda at the Africa PachiPanda Challenge continental finale in South Africa in February 2027.
MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer Sylvia Mulinge said the initiative demonstrates how innovation and entrepreneurship can help address environmental challenges while creating opportunities for young people.
“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 the focus would now shift towards helping the winning innovations grow beyond the competition and generate 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 of PachiPanda to be held in Uganda.
The inaugural Ugandan cohort comprised FarmGate Digital, Kampala Buzzline and Bottle for Cash Eco-Drop, which represented the country at the continental competition in South Africa earlier in 2026.
FarmGate Digital focuses on reducing post-harvest food losses through improved market information and coordination. Kampala Buzzline works to restore pollinator habitats through community conservation and digital mapping, while Bottle for Cash Eco-Drop uses smart collection bins and mobile-enabled rewards to encourage plastic collection and recycling.
Bottle for Cash Eco-Drop also received the Bayobab Innovator’s Award at MTN Group level, highlighting the potential of Ugandan innovations to gain recognition beyond the national competition.
This year’s challenge focused on nature-based climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods and green enterprises, biodiversity and natural-resource conservation, and digital solutions for Africa’s green economy.
The PachiPanda initiative is part of MTN Uganda’s sustainability ambitions under Ambition 2030. Through its partnership with WWF Uganda, the company aims to support innovative solutions that protect natural resources, strengthen communities and create sustainable economic opportunities.
By providing young innovators with mentorship, business development support and a platform to showcase their solutions, the initiative seeks to strengthen the role of youth-led enterprises in Africa’s transition towards a greener and more inclusive economy.
