Ugandan social entrepreneur Shifra Ainomugisha has been named the 2026 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year, earning the highest recognition at the Commonwealth Youth Awards for her contributions to climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy innovation.
The announcement was made on Thursday in London, where Ainomugisha was honoured for developing technology-driven solutions that are improving food security and strengthening climate resilience among smallholder farmers in Uganda.
Ainomugisha, who is the founder of Solafam Uganda Ltd, emerged as the overall winner after first securing the Africa regional award. She was selected from thousands of young innovators and changemakers from across the Commonwealth’s 56 member states.
Through Solafam Uganda, Ainomugisha has introduced solar-powered irrigation and cold storage systems integrated with artificial intelligence technologies to support farmers in reducing post-harvest losses and increasing agricultural productivity.
According to the Commonwealth Youth Awards organisers, the initiative has directly benefited more than 1,500 people while promoting sustainable agriculture, inclusive economic growth, and environmental conservation.
Speaking after receiving the award, Ainomugisha described the recognition as a reflection of the growing role young people are playing in addressing global challenges.
“This recognition is not only a personal milestone but also a validation of the work we are doing to build resilient communities and create lasting impact,” she said.
She added that the award demonstrates the potential of young innovators across the Commonwealth to develop practical solutions to pressing social, economic, and environmental issues.
The Commonwealth Youth Awards recognise young people whose initiatives are contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through measurable impact in their communities.
Ainomugisha’s victory places Uganda among the leading countries producing youth-driven innovations in sustainability and development. She now joins a network of distinguished Commonwealth youth leaders recognised for advancing positive change through entrepreneurship, innovation, and community action.
