Innovators, organisations, and community groups with scalable solutions addressing waste management and circular economy challenges in Uganda are invited to apply for the UNDP Uganda Innovation Challenge 2026. Implemented by UNDP Uganda under its programme Promoting Circular Economy and Waste Management in Cities, the challenge offers a total prize pool of USD $40,000 — with up to four winners each receiving $10,000 in cash awards to pilot or develop their innovations.
This is a prize competition, not a grant. The best scalable and inclusive ideas will be rewarded with funding and no repayment is required.
The Challenge
Uganda is facing a growing waste management crisis. With waste generation projected to increase by 70% by 2050, current systems are already overwhelmed. In Kampala, only 40% of waste is collected, with most ending up in open landfills — a pattern mirrored across the country.
The challenge question is: How might we drastically reduce the amount of municipal waste that is openly dumped or burned, while unlocking economic opportunities for women, youth, and marginalised communities in Ugandan cities?
Solutions must address waste management or circular economy challenges in one or more of the seven pilot municipalities: Jinja, Mbale, Gulu, Arua, Hoima, Mbarara, or Kampala.
What Kinds of Solutions Are they Looking For?
Solutions could address areas including:
- Waste collection efficiency — novel routing, community collection models, digital tracking
- Recycling and resource recovery — low-cost, decentralised processing of plastics, organics, or e-waste
- Upcycling and value addition — turning waste into marketable products
- Plastic waste reduction — alternatives to single-use plastics and buy-back systems
- Informal sector integration — tools and platforms that formalise and support waste pickers
- Digital innovation — apps, pay-as-you-throw systems, and waste exchange platforms
- Behavioural change — creative campaigns that achieve measurable shifts in disposal practices
All solutions must integrate gender equality and social inclusion, demonstrating concrete benefits for women, youth, and marginalised groups.
Who Can Apply:
The challenge is open to all legally registered entities including:
- Women’s groups and associations
- Youth-led organisations and CBOs
- NGOs and cooperatives
- Academic and research institutions
- Private sector companies and sole proprietorships
- Any other legal entity registered in Uganda or elsewhere
Prize Details:
- Total prize pool: USD $40,000
- Up to 4 winners, each receiving $10,000
- 70% disbursed upon signing the prize agreement, 30% upon approval of the final report
- Winners must implement their proposed plan within 6 months of the award