Kampala, September 19, 2024 – Assumpta Nakalema has emerged as the top winner of the third edition of the AYuTe Africa Challenge-Uganda, an initiative organized by Heifer International Uganda aimed at transforming the agricultural sector through youth innovation. Nakalema’s solar-powered egg incubator won her the grand prize of UGX 50 million, as her innovation stood out among the numerous submissions.Assumpta Nakalema (C) gets her cheque from Dr Ronald Gyagenda Ssegawa (2nd R)

The competition also recognized two other innovators for their impactful contributions to agri-tech solutions. Angel Uwera, who developed the “MAK Agrometer,” a rapid soil testing machine, earned the second-place prize of UGX 25 million. Meanwhile, Olivia Nakiwanuka’s solar-powered solution, Axis Solar, secured her the third spot, along with a cash prize of UGX 10 million.One of the 10 winners of UGX 2m

The AYuTe Africa Challenge (Agriculture, Youth, and Technology) provides a platform for young innovators to address critical issues facing agriculture in Uganda. Launched in 2021, the competition has become central to Heifer International’s mission of fostering pro-poor value chains, empowering youth and women, and promoting environmental sustainability. With over 704 participants since its inception—158 of them female—the challenge continues to catalyze transformative changes within Uganda’s agricultural landscape.

This year’s edition saw an unprecedented 261 submissions, a notable increase from previous years. Out of these, 83 were from female innovators, reflecting Heifer International’s efforts to encourage greater gender inclusivity. Innovations ranged from farm robotics and automated irrigation systems to pest detection devices and soil testing technologies.

At the award ceremony held at Makerere University’s Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Heifer International Uganda’s Country Director, William Matovu, lauded the participants for their creative solutions. He emphasized the crucial role that young innovators play in driving change within the agricultural sector.The 10 winners of UGX 2m

“Young innovators hold tremendous potential to drive transformative change in agriculture. This year’s innovations, from automated irrigation systems to poultry innovations, truly reflect the energy and creativity of our youth,” Matovu said. He highlighted that the solutions presented by the finalists demonstrated the vast opportunities available for enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.

The Guest of Honor, Hon. Bright Rwamirama, the Minister of State for Animal Industry, commended the young entrepreneurs and emphasized the importance of collaboration in advancing agriculture. In a speech delivered by Dr. Ronald Gyagenda Ssegawa, Under Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, Rwamirama noted that transforming agriculture requires joint efforts between the government, private sector, and organizations like Heifer International.

“As we celebrate their success, let us remember that the journey of transforming agriculture requires the collective efforts of governments, private sector partners, and organizations like Heifer International,” the minister remarked. “Together, we can continue to provide young innovators with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to bring their solutions to scale.”

In an effort to increase female participation in agri-tech, this year’s challenge reserved two spots specifically for women innovators. Stella Nakirijja and Patricia Ninsiima both received UGX 3.5 million for their contributions—Nakirijja for her solar-powered tick detection innovation and Ninsiima for her grain preservation nanotechnology.

The top ten finalists were also recognized, each receiving UGX 2 million as a reward for their groundbreaking innovations. This year’s competition was supported by key partners, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Industry and Fisheries, EzyAgric, HiveColab, Makerere University, Forvis Mazers, and the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance.

The Significance of the AYuTe Challenge

The AYuTe Africa Challenge has been instrumental in showcasing the transformative power of technology-driven solutions in agriculture. Since its launch, the competition has encouraged youth across Uganda to think creatively about how to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing smallholder farmers, such as limited access to markets, climate change, and productivity gaps.

By providing funding and development support to these entrepreneurs, Heifer International Uganda hopes to spur a wave of innovation that can enhance agricultural output, improve livelihoods, and contribute to the country’s economic resilience. Matovu extended his gratitude to the challenge’s partners for their support, stressing that such initiatives can pave the way for sustained growth in the agricultural sector.

A Bright Future for Youth and Agri-Tech

The success of this year’s AYuTe Africa Challenge has further cemented Uganda’s role as a hub for agri-tech innovation in Africa. The competition not only highlights the creativity and ingenuity of young Ugandans but also underscores the importance of continued investment in youth-driven solutions for agriculture. By empowering young entrepreneurs, initiatives like the AYuTe Africa Challenge are helping to build a future where sustainable, tech-driven farming practices are at the forefront of Uganda’s development strategy.

The winners of this year’s challenge have set a high bar for future participants, demonstrating that with the right support, young innovators can be the driving force behind the country’s agricultural transformation.