Past winners of the AYuTe Challenges organized by Heifer International Uganda have hailed the awards for changing their lives.
Speaking during the launch of the third edition of the awards in Kampala, John Charles Nuwagaba, 34 who was the first runners up in the 2022 challenges said the shs30 million he won gave him the much-needed push.
“I manufacture solar water pumps, called Nature Now, using locally available materials like plastic, motors and metallic material. These pumps are made in Fort Portal, Kabarole.Apart from the cash grant, the AYuTe program has taught me how to pitch and how to work in a team. I have also learned a lot from fellow innovators across Uganda,”Nuwagaba said.
He said he targets smallholder farmers who cannot afford to buy and maintain the expensive imported pumps.
“To date we’ve served over 1,000 clients and their feedback so far has been good. They like the product, because it has helped them to at least double their production. Before I participated in AYuTe, we had only sold about seven pumps, but today I am glad to announce that we’ve sold over 300 pumps. Because the farmers share the pumps with their neighbors, at least 1,000 farmers have used our product and the numbers continue to grow.”
Nuwagaba said they expect to at least serve more than 20,000 farmers by the end of 2026.
Mike Segawa Ssali, 28 , the second runner-up in the 2022 edition said apart from the shs15 million prize money, he was trained.
“I learned from the expert trainers, provided by Heifer that I was better off starting a company rather than operate as an individual. That is how Salinest Agribusiness came into existence, two years ago. It is now a duly registered company, employing 13 people. We are Mukono based but also operate across the country,” Segawa said.
“We currently support over 300 farmers. Meanwhile, we have reached over 2,500 farmers through regular appearance on TV and radio talk shows. This has helped stimulate the market with over 300 farmers getting seedling supplies from us – including both open field and greenhouse growers.”
He said with the construction of more greenhouses, they can reach a much bigger number because of the current demand.
Speaking during the launch of the third edition of the awards, William Matovu, the Heifer International Uganda Country Director, William Matovu said. the previous editions have drawn participation from 443 youths from diverse backgrounds across the country who have in total won shs120 million.
“This competition has showcased the innovative spirit of Uganda’s youth, highlighting their role in driving agricultural transformation. The AYuTe Africa Challenge will continue to demonstrate the potential of technology as an enabler for efficient agricultural value chain functioning; while fostering sustainable solutions for smallholder farmers,” said Matovu.
He said the process for the third edition is now open until July 25, 2024 and that applicants must be Uganda-based innovators between the ages of 18 and 35 years, with start-up operations working with smallholder farmers, among other requirements.
Top finalists will undergo a comprehensive incubation period and pitch events, culminating in a grand finale gala in September 2024, where winners will share a total of shs112 million in awards and other development support.
“We are hopeful that these added initiatives will amplify Heifer’s commitment to agricultural excellence while providing further visibility to the competition’s impact. Heifer International remains committed to supporting past awardees through mentorship, business development services, and funding to scale their enterprises,” Matovu said.
