Environmental experts and technology leaders have called for sustainable innovation in Uganda’s agricultural sector during the recent launch of the Green Growth Hackathon in Kampala.
The event, organised by the National ICT Innovation Hub with support from the Estonia Development Centre and tech nonprofit Garage48, brought together participants from various fields to develop solutions aimed at addressing pressing environmental challenges.
UICT’s Academic Registrar, Agnes Lumala, emphasised the hackathon’s mission of “unleashing sustainable innovations for a greener future.”
She stressed the urgency of the initiative, given Uganda’s growing threats from climate change, resource depletion, and the increasing need for sustainable farming practices.
Lumala noted that the hackathon aligns with national goals outlined in Uganda Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan III, encouraging participants to address four key government programs: Agro-Industrialisation, Digital Transformation, Human Capital Development, and Innovation and Technology Development.
The hackathon also emphasised the modernisation of Uganda's agricultural sector through emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
“These advancements can help us address challenges like unpredictable weather and outdated farming practices,” said Lumala, highlighting the vital role of agriculture in Uganda’s economy.
Held from October 18 to October 20, the three-day event provided teams with access to mentorship from experts in sustainability and technology and encouraged collaboration on projects with practical applications in energy efficiency, waste management, and water conservation.
Winning teams will receive support to further develop their projects, with prizes aimed at facilitating real-world implementation.
National ICT Innovation Hub and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to fostering innovation in agriculture, emphasising Uganda’s potential to lead in sustainable practices.