Uganda Business Idea Contest: Progress Update on Proof-of-Concept (PoC) Projects
The PoC projects by award-winning companies BEMCOS and BUAK—selected through the Uganda business idea contest —began in August. This report presents the progress of each initiative as of November.
Contest Results and Start of 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 a PoC support valued at 12,000,000 UGX (approximately 3457 USD), along with dedicated business PoC support from JICA consultants. Based on pre-defined business plans and budgets, the teams are conducting PoCs over five months from August to December. Below, we present progress as of November, about four months after the start.
BEMCOS
Business Idea Overview
BEMCOS is undertaking a project to build a circular economy for electronic waste and empower the community within the Bidibidi refugee settlement in Uganda. The initiative promotes collection, repair, and reuse of electronic waste—especially solar lanterns and lithium batteries—and focuses on producing regenerated battery packs. Through this, it aims to expand access to clean energy, reduce electronic waste, and create jobs for both refugees and host communities. To achieve these aims, the project funds are being used to validate and demonstrate this business idea.
PoC Progress and Achievements
Since the launch in August, BEMCOS has centered activities around five hubs established in different zones of the Bidibidi refugee settlement, advancing the collection, repair, and reuse of disused solar lanterns and lithium batteries, along with sales of new solar lanterns. To date, 468 defective items have been collected, of which 369 have been repaired and 265 delivered to clients. The project also includes capacity-building training for members. Two sessions were held in September and October, covering technical knowledge inputs for repair and practical, hands-on training to develop technicians who can perform actual repairs. The improvement in technical skills has led to greater operational efficiency. Furthermore, a review of the management system has boosted employee motivation. As a result of these initiatives, BEMCOS has seen a notable increase in sales.
Challenges
Some devices require out-of-stock spare parts or advanced skills, which leads to longer turnaround times and makes them difficult to handle. When returns are delayed, customer anxiety can increase. Therefore, locally rooted members stationed at each hub carefully explain the situation and share progress updates to maintain trust. Strengthening basic operations—such as technician attendance management, motivation, and financial control—remains necessary. Building a collection system suited to areas where households are scattered is also a priority for the future.
Upcoming Plans
In November, the team will analyze activity data gathered so far to identify and address operational issues and areas for improvement. In December, the final month of the PoC, the team will focus on compiling the final report and distilling lessons learned and insights gained.
▼Staff members participating in a technical training session
▼Collected electronic waste
▼ Batteries made from recycled discarded batteries
BUAK
Business Idea Overview
BUAK is developing a business model that combines biodigester —which generate gas from organic matter such as livestock manure—with systems that utilize Black Soldier Fly (BSF) to produce organic fertilizer and animal feed. The BUAK Loan-to-Own System enables low-income households to repay loans with products like fertilizer and organic compost, promoting self-reliance. The model addresses energy poverty, food insecurity, and environmental degradation, fostering sustainable livelihoods in refugee and host communities in Uganda. The project funds are being used to commercialize this idea.
PoC Progress and Achievements
The project has mapped households as candidates for the installation of biodigester and BSF kits. Four BSF kits have already been distributed for pilot use, and one biodigester has been installed. Preparations have been completed for the distribution of an additional eight BSF kits, and construction of another biogas digester is currently underway. In addition, construction of a new biodigester will also begin in early December. Marketing and sales activities have progressed for the by-products of the biodigesters and products generated through the BSF kits, and a demonstration site has been established to validate fertilizer effects with the aim of concluding off-take agreements.
Challenges
Currently, the project is supported by volunteer members, and due to insufficient revenue to compensate them and a shortage of manpower for operations, sustainability remains a concern. Data collection is also inadequate at this stage, making it difficult to accurately measure the effects of the biogas digesters and BSF kits. Cash flow is under pressure; going forward, phased procurement of materials, adjustments to payment terms, and stronger inventory and cash flow management will be necessary.
Upcoming Plans
BUAK plans to advance the development and implementation of a digital loan tracking and monitoring system to establish the “loan to own” scheme. At the same time, the loan repayment mechanism itself will be reviewed and continuously improved. In the final phase of the project, the team will conduct a comprehensive wrap-up, report on outcomes, and organize lessons learned and insights, leveraging them for future business development and expansion to other areas.
▼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)