Uganda Business Idea Contest: Proof-of-Concept (PoC) Completion Announcement
In December 2025, BEMCOS and BUAK completed their approximately five-month PoC projects based on winning ideas from the Uganda Business Idea Contest. This article highlights the outcomes.
Contest Results and PoC Activities
On July 10, 2025, the Uganda Business Idea Contest was held in Kampala, organized by the Government of Uganda and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to encourage innovative solutions for refugees and host communities in Uganda. After a rigorous selection process involving more than 50 applications from refugees and host communities in Uganda, Bidibidi Electronic Waste Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited (BEMCOS) and Bioenergy Umbrella Association of Kyangwali Limited (BUAK) were selected as the top winners. As part of their award, both teams received PoC support valued at 12,000,000 UGX (approximately 3,457 USD), along with dedicated business PoC support from JICA consultants. Based on predefined business plans and budgets, the teams conducted PoCs over five months from August to December 2025. Below are the final outcomes following the completion of the PoCs in December.
BEMCOS
Business Idea Overview
BEMCOS carried out a PoC for a business model centered on repairing electronic waste—such as solar lanterns and lithium batteries—generated in the Bidibidi refugee settlement, manufacturing refurbished battery packs, and selling new solar lanterns procured externally. Previously, with support from an aid agency, BEMCOS had provided repair services and other support to the local community free of charge. Leveraging this project, the organization aimed to build a sustainable business model.
PoC Achievements
From August to December 2025, BEMCOS operated across five hubs in different zones of the Bidibidi settlement, where it collected out-of-use solar lanterns and lithium batteries, repaired and refurbished them, and sold new solar lanterns. Over the project period, the team collected 773 defective items, repaired 601, returned 459 repaired items to customers, and recorded approximately UGX 4.2 million in sales. Prior to the project, these services had been provided free of charge. With the launch of PoC project, the grant funding was used to support the transition to a structured, paid, for‑profit business model. By maintaining price competitiveness and gradually tapering discounts, BEMCOS successfully reached profitability within the PoC period without triggering customer attrition.
Challenges
Some devices required out-of-stock spare parts or advanced skills, which led to longer turnaround times and made timely handling difficult. Because only a limited number of technicians could take on such cases, operational bottlenecks arose. When repairs were delayed, customer anxiety increased; therefore, locally rooted members stationed at each hub carefully explained the situation and shared progress updates to maintain trust. In addition, the project has faced a chronic shortage of funds to expand the service area and pay wages to members; therefore, increasing profitability will be essential to sustain and scale the business going forward.
Next Steps
To sustain the profitable business model established through this project, the team will keep addressing the issues identified during implementation. Specifically, it will further enhance repair skills and conduct ongoing training to develop new technicians, strengthen customer relationships, and reinforce management to reduce turnover and absenteeism. To improve day-to-day operations, the team is also considering providing trainings for all members in financial management and leadership. In parallel, to scale up the business, the team will expand and strengthen its collection network for repairable items, improve the performance of underperforming hubs, and further develop medium- to long-term growth strategies.
▼Staff members participating in a technical training session
▼Collected electronic waste
▼ Batteries made from recycled discarded batteries
BUAK
Business Idea Overview
BUAK conducted a PoC to validate a business model that sells biodigesters—which generate gas from organic matter such as livestock manure—and systems for producing organic fertilizer and animal feed through the cultivation of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae (BSF kits). To make the systems affordable for low-income households, the project introduced a “loan to own” scheme whereby borrowers repay their loans using by-products generated during operation, such as liquid fertilizer and insect frass. The goal was to help establish sustainable livelihoods for both refugees and host communities through business.
PoC Progress and Achievements
The project mapped potential households for biodigesters and BSF kits, installed two biodigesters, and manufactured 26 BSF kits. Following an initial mapping to identify high-fit customers, BUAK distributed the BSF kits in phases, prioritizing households with established BSF rearing setups and a strong willingness to use the kits (10 kits distributed; 16 awaiting distribution). Loan repayments using by-products are currently underway at one biodigester site and five BSF kit sites. To commercialize by-products—liquid fertilizer from biodigesters and BSF larval frass—the team established a demonstration plot and verified the effectiveness of these materials as fertilizers. As a result, BUAK succeeded in building partnerships with external collaborators. On the technical side, although external contractors initially handled the construction of biodigesters and production of BSF kits, BUAK advanced localization by training technicians during the project period.
Challenges
The project currently relies on volunteer members, and revenues are not yet sufficient to pay wages; staffing for operations is also inadequate, raising concerns about sustainability. In some locations, BSF kit operation suffered from insufficient rearing management and low motivation due to aid dependency, resulting in by-product output falling short of expectations. For biodigesters, some recipient households were unable to cover their initial cost share, which increased BUAK’s financial burden and, in turn, loan sizes. In light of these issues, BUAK must more rigorously screen recipient households, strengthen post-distribution follow-up, and build a stable support and loan recovery system for sustained operations.
Next Steps
To establish the “loan to own” scheme, BUAK plans to develop and introduce a digital loan tracking and monitoring system, while continuously improving repayment mechanisms through regular reviews. Building on results achieved to date, the business will continue beyond the end of this project.
▼Process of improving soil quality using a BSF kit
▼A newly constructed biodigester
▼The highlights from the contest can be viewed in the video below.
Other Finalists
Other finalists, while not selected as award recipients, also presented innovative ideas with strong potential to benefit refugees and host communities. Below are brief overviews of several notable business concepts.
WaterkitPay
WaterKitPay is Uganda’s first social platform for financing essential WASH and clean energy products, focusing on refugee and host communities. It features a marketplace and nano-banking system, enabling users to save in digital wallets to pay for approved products and services. This platform simplifies access to vital resources, promoting sustainability and self-reliance.
Smart Skills Innovation
Smart Skills Innovation is a digital skills platform for refugees and host communities in Uganda. It offers offline training in coding, mobile money, freelancing, and entrepreneurship, accessible via smartphones or hubs. The platform fosters self-reliance, reduces unemployment, and promotes collaboration through localized content and peer mentorship.
Contact Information
JICA Business Idea Contest Organizing Office (Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LCC)
Organizer
Government of Uganda
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)