BEMcos and BUAK Receive Grants and JICA Support to Implement Innovative Solutions Addressing Social and Economic Challenges
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 proof-of-concept support from JICA consultants.
In preparation for the PoC implementation, each team developed a detailed work breakdown structure (WBS) to clarify their project plans and ensure the effective use of the grant funds. Leveraging these resources and expert guidance, BEMcos and BUAK commenced their PoC activities in August 2025, aiming to address pressing social and economic challenges in Uganda. This update provides an overview of their business concepts and the implementation plans for their PoC projects.
Business Idea Overview
BEMcos is developing a circular e-waste economy and community empowerment initiative in the Bidibidi refugee settlement. Their project focuses on the collection, repair, and recycling of electronic waste, especially solar lanterns, and the creation of second-life battery packs from lithium batteries. The initiative aims to provide clean energy solutions, reduce electronic waste, and create employment opportunities for both refugees and host communities in Uganda.
PoC Implementation Plan
Beginning in August 2025, BEMcos will implement its PoC project in the Bidibidi refugee settlement. The project will include training local technicians in mobile phone and electronics repair, running awareness campaigns about E-waste management on local radio and through community outreach, and collecting and repairing electronic waste from households and institutions. Spare parts will be carefully procured and managed, and all repair and collection activities will be systematically documented using the Biasara application (an app for managing finances and daily transactions). Throughout the project, BEMcos will regularly monitor results and report on progress, ensuring continuous improvement and sharing of best practices within the community.
▼A scene from hands-on sessions to build technical capacity and improve repair and recycling skills among members.
Business Idea Overview
This solution utilizes bio digesters and “Black Soldier Fly systems” to convert organic waste into clean cooking gas, animal feed, and organic fertilizer. The BUAK Loan-to-Own System enables low-income households to repay loans with products like slurry and frass, promoting self-reliance. The model addresses energy poverty, food insecurity, and environmental degradation, fostering sustainable livelihoods in refugee and host communities in Uganda.
PoC Implementation Plan
From August 2025, BUAK will commence its PoC by introducing bio digesters that generate biogas from livestock manure and food waste. The initial phase will involve identifying beneficiaries and conducting pilot operations to test and refine the system. As the project progresses, BUAK plans to establish partnerships with external buyers to secure sales channels and implement digital loan solutions to facilitate financial access. During the monitoring and evaluation phase, BUAK will measure the impact of its activities and make necessary adjustments to optimize the effectiveness and sustainability of the model.
▼A scene of a biodigestor under construction being checked for progress.
▼The highlights from the contest can be viewed in the video below.
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.
JICA Business Idea Contest Organizing Office (Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LCC)
Government of Uganda
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)