Deadline Date: June 13, 2026
The United Nations Development Programme -Uganda has launched an Innovation Challenge under its programme “Promoting Circular Economy and Waste Management in Cities,” inviting innovators to propose transformative solutions that address Uganda’s growing municipal waste crisis while creating economic opportunities for underserved communities.
Uganda’s waste generation is projected to increase by 70% by 2050, with current systems already overwhelmed. In Kampala, only 40% of waste is collected, and open dumping and burning remain widespread across the country, posing serious risks to public health, the environment, and economic development.
The challenge focuses on reducing municipal waste that is openly dumped or burned in Ugandan cities. Key themes include waste collection efficiency, recycling and resource recovery, upcycling and value addition, plastic waste reduction, informal sector integration, digital innovation, and behavioural change. All solutions must demonstrate concrete benefits for women, youth, and marginalised groups.
Eligible applicants include women’s groups, youth-led organisations, CBOs, NGOs, cooperatives, academic institutions, and private sector companies — provided they are legally registered and have a solution at prototype, MVP, or pilot-ready stage. Proposed activities must target one or more of seven pilot municipalities: Jinja, Mbale, Gulu, Arua, Hoima, Mbarara, or Kampala.
A total prize pool of USD 40,000 is available, with up to four prizes of a maximum of USD 10,000 each. Winners use the prize money freely to advance their solution, with no co-financing or detailed budget justification required.
Submissions must include an innovation proposal of no more than 25 pages, evidence of the solution’s current stage, a registration document, and a signed declaration of no conflicts of interest.
All intellectual property rights vest in UNDP upon submission, though winners receive a perpetual, royalty-free, non-exclusive licence to use, develop, and commercialise their solution.
For more information, visit United Nations Development Programme.
