Ugandan Startup YUNGA Wins Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation 2023

YUNGA, a Ugandan startup, has won the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation 2023 organised by the United Kingdom’s Royal Academy of Engineering.

“We are honoured to be recognized for our affordable security solution. Thanks to the UK’s Royal Academy of Engineering, our amazing customers and investors. This means #saftyAcrossAfrica!” management said in a tweet.

Anatoli Kirigwajjo, a Ugandan innovator, jointly won the Royal Academy of Engineering 2023 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation with a South African biomedical engineer.

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YUNGA is a local digital security network that connects neighbours to each other and police through a physical device, smartphone app, or SMS, providing security at a low cost.

The Ntinda-based company said the recognition highlights its commitment to delivering exceptional technology tools for communities to thrive economically while staying safe.

“For the first time in the history of the Africa prize, we are honoured to have won alongside another great innovation “FlexiGym”, a handheld device from South Africa designed for diagnosing and treating uterine problems at a low cost,” the company said in a statement.

It said the prestigious award will facilitate YUNGA’s expansion, connecting an additional 3,000 households to the Yunga network with a focus on vulnerable women-led households.

“This expansion aims to create a safer environment, foster economic growth and empower these communities.”