Uganda youth innovators pitch solutions at National Science Week hackathon

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Young innovators and scientists have gathered at Kabira Country Club in Bukoto for Uganda’s National Science Week 2026 to turn ideas into practical solutions to some of the country’s most pressing challenges.

The 2026 edition, organised by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, has introduced the Future Makers Hackathon, an initiative aimed at moving beyond theory and accelerating ideas into tangible, market-ready products. The hackathon has attracted more than 250 applications from individuals and teams eager to transform everyday problems into scalable solutions.

Unlike conventional hackathons that often focus on digital prototypes, this challenge emphasises real-world impact. Over the course of a week, teams comprising two to three innovators are tasked with tackling pressing issues affecting Ugandan communities.

some of the selected members to participate in the hackathon. (Photo by Sharon Nabasirye)

These range from sanitation and urban drainage to energy efficiency, transport innovation, and opportunities within the gig economy and creative industries. Other focus areas include improving road infrastructure and finding smarter ways to transport construction materials without damaging roads.

To turn ideas into viable ventures, the top three teams will share project financing worth sh300m. Beyond the prize money, the ministry has pledged continued support to help innovators navigate the journey from concept to commercialisation.

The hackathon represents more than competition but also a platform to shape Uganda’s technological future.

Benjamin Ojede, an engineer and team lead of the JUZA innovation team, is among those looking to redefine mobility on the continent. His team is developing a digital platform that enables electric vehicle users, from motorcycles to cars, to seamlessly pay for charging services across different stations.

With fuel prices rising and Uganda gradually embracing electric mobility through initiatives such as locally developed electric buses and motorcycles, Ojede believes solutions like JUZA could accelerate the transition.

“The biggest value here is not just the funding. It’s the exposure, the collaboration, and the opportunity to refine ideas with other innovators,” he said.

Ojede pointed to the persistent challenge of limited exposure to global innovation ecosystems, which often restricts the scalability of local solutions. For him, building for community needs must go hand in hand with thinking beyond borders.

In the health sector, innovators are also leveraging technology to address critical gaps in service delivery. Maureen Kisaakye Malinga, co-founder of Impala HealthTech Research Company Limited, is participating in a digital platform aimed at strengthening diagnostics.

Her solution connects smaller health facilities, which often lack laboratory capacity, to established laboratories, ensuring patients receive accurate diagnoses before treatment. The approach targets antimicrobial resistance, a growing global threat driven in part by misdiagnosis and misuse of medication.

“This platform helps ensure the right treatment is given based on proper testing. It’s a critical step in tackling antimicrobial resistance,” she explained.

Malinga highlighted challenges, including limited capital and slow adoption of digital solutions, and said she sees the hackathon as a turning point and a chance to refine her innovation and access the support needed to scale it.

The science week, which kicked off on April 27, 2026, will run until May 3, 2026.