Muhumuza speaks to journalists at the hackathon
By Our Reporter
Uganda has introduced a nationwide innovation competition aimed at fast-tracking its long-term ambition of building a $500 billion economy, with government shifting focus toward practical, market-ready solutions.
The initiative, known as the National Science Week 2026 Innovation Challenge, is being spearheaded by the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat in the Office of the President. It was officially launched during a hackathon held on April 27 at Kabira Country Club, bringing together innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs from across the country.
The programme is designed to convert ideas into scalable products that can address pressing economic and social needs. During the event, participating teams began refining their project concepts, a key step in moving from ideation to development.
Cathy Muhumuza, Superintendent for Support Services and lead coordinator for National Science Week, urged participants to focus on outcomes that can be implemented and commercialised.
“By the end of today, each team should clearly define what they are working on,” she said, stressing the importance of direction and clarity.
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Muhumuza speaks to journalists at the hackathon
By Our Reporter
Uganda has introduced a nationwide innovation competition aimed at fast-tracking its long-term ambition of building a $500 billion economy, with government shifting focus toward practical, market-ready solutions.
The initiative, known as the National Science Week 2026 Innovation Challenge, is being spearheaded by the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat in the Office of the President. It was officially launched during a hackathon held on April 27 at Kabira Country Club, bringing together innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs from across the country.
The programme is designed to convert ideas into scalable products that can address pressing economic and social needs. During the event, participating teams began refining their project concepts, a key step in moving from ideation to development.
Cathy Muhumuza, Superintendent for Support Services and lead coordinator for National Science Week, urged participants to focus on outcomes that can be implemented and commercialised.
“By the end of today, each team should clearly define what they are working on,” she said, stressing the importance of direction and clarity.
She noted that Uganda has no shortage of ideas, but many fail to reach the market. “We have many innovations in Uganda, but they are not being transformed into usable products. That does not help the country. We need solutions people can actually use,” she said.
Muhumuza further explained that the challenge is intended to push innovators toward creating fundable and sustainable businesses. “The goal is to produce a product that government or the market can buy and benefit from. Whatever you start should be taken to completion,” she added.
She also highlighted accountability in funding innovation, noting that support provided to projects is expected to be responsibly managed and geared toward sustainability.
Out of 250 submitted applications, only 10 teams were selected to participate in the final hackathon phase. Each team is required to develop a working prototype or minimum viable product, alongside a concept note and pitch presentation to a national panel of judges.
The top three teams will receive up to Shs 300 million in funding, in addition to mentorship and partnership opportunities aimed at helping them commercialise their innovations.
Organisers say the challenge is structured to bridge the gap between ideas and market-ready solutions, while also encouraging job creation and economic growth through science and technology.
Among the participants is a team developing an electric vehicle concept designed to address rising fuel costs and support cleaner transport alternatives.
“We hope to present our idea, secure funding, and scale it up,” said team member Benjamin Ojede.
The competition is open to multidisciplinary teams of two to five members, including students, researchers, developers, and entrepreneurs. It will run into early May, concluding with final presentations and selection of winning projects.
Officials say the initiative reflects Uganda’s broader strategy to place science, technology, and innovation at the centre of economic transformation, as the country works toward long-term industrial growth and increased productivity.
