Young Ugandan entrepreneurs developing agricultural technologies and businesses have received Shs205 million in catalytic financing under the fifth edition of the AYuTe Africa Challenge Uganda.
The awards were announced on September 24, 2026, at a ceremony held at Sheraton Hotel Kampala, where Heifer International Uganda recognised eight enterprises for developing solutions targeting challenges across Uganda’s agricultural value chains.
The challenge attracted 836 applications this year, up from 307 in 2025, according to Heifer International Uganda.
The winners were selected under two tracks: Agribusiness and Agritech, with the programme focusing on locally developed solutions to challenges affecting farmers and agricultural businesses.
Piipu General Enterprises LLP won the Best Agribusiness Enterprise award and received Shs50 million, while Lufafa Joel Enterprises, the first runner-up, received Shs30 million. Ama Bulungi Enterprises, the second runner-up, received Shs15 million.
In the female entrepreneur category, Natura’s Nook Nutrition Ltd and Winnie Park Agro-Supply each received Shs10 million.
Under the Agritech category, Revmake Tech Company Ltd took the overall award and received Shs50 million.
Afripolli Farm-Tech Solutions Ltd, the first runner-up, received Shs20 million, while Humi 99 Company Ltd received Shs15 million as the second runner-up.
The Agritech track targeted technologies addressing areas including climate-smart agriculture, livestock and aquaculture, post-harvest management, mechanisation, energy, markets and agricultural finance.
The Agribusiness track, which focused on enterprises in Busoga, supported businesses adding value to agricultural produce as well as ventures turning agricultural waste and inefficiencies into commercial opportunities.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Hon. Eng. Jonard Asiimwe said the government was committed to creating an environment in which young Ugandans could develop businesses and technologies locally.
“Every innovator on this stage tonight is proof that Uganda’s science and technology agenda is not an abstract policy document — it is alive on our farms, in our processing sheds, and in the hands of young people.”
He challenged the winners to treat the funding as a starting point for expanding their enterprises.
Heifer International Uganda Country Director William Matovu said the latest edition had placed greater emphasis on solving specific challenges within the agricultural and food system.
“Go Big. Go Bold was never just a theme. It was an instruction, and they took it seriously,” Matovu said.
The AYuTe Africa Challenge Uganda is an initiative of Heifer International that supports young entrepreneurs through financing, mentorship, incubation and other forms of ecosystem support.
Previous Ugandan winners include Charles Nuwagaba, who won the inaugural 2022 edition with an irrigation pump innovation; Simon Peter Okoci, whose Smart Kuku Brooder won Season 2; Assumpta Nakalema, who developed a solar-powered egg incubator for Season 3; and Etyang Aaron, whose Grain-Guard Monitor won Season 4 for its focus on reducing post-harvest grain losses.
Heifer said the latest winners will join the previous cohorts as they seek to expand agricultural technologies and enterprises targeting smallholder farmers and agricultural value chains.