Innovation lies at the core of Uganda’s burgeoning tech ecosystem, and 2025 is set to be an exhilarating year for a new wave of startup founders who are transforming industries, making an impact, and fostering economic growth.
These pioneers have not only developed groundbreaking solutions but also persist in pushing boundaries to address real-world challenges. Here are some of the most promising Ugandan startup founders to keep an eye on this year.
Martha Toni Atwine – Lumi-Guard
Martha Toni Atwine is on a mission to tackle malaria and energy poverty in Uganda. Having faced personal struggles with malaria during her childhood, she developed Lumi-Guard, a device that integrates solar lighting with mosquito-repellent technology.
Atwine, an Electrical Engineering finalist at Makerere University, has made sustainability a core aspect of her innovation, utilising upcycled lithium-ion batteries and repurposed plastics.
The device provides dual functionality—offering lighting while emitting a non-toxic mosquito-repellent vapor. Additionally, it features a monitoring system for energy and repellent levels, which sends alerts to ensure uninterrupted functionality.
Lumi-Guard is designed for off-grid and rural communities where malaria is most prevalent. Atwine is expanding partnerships with NGOs, government agencies, and private organisations, aiming to reach 100,000 households by 2026 and one million by 2030.
Don Uwawele – MyWater
Bridging advertising and social responsibility, Don Uwawele founded MyWater, a startup that provides free, clean drinking water through branded Tetra packs.
His vision is to revolutionise advertising by offering businesses a unique way to promote their brands while addressing a critical social need. In its early testing phase, MyWater reached 7,000 individuals and generated over 3,000 ad engagements.
Uwawele views his impact as twofold: delivering clean water to underserved communities while providing companies with a high-visibility, socially impactful marketing platform. Uwawele is now scaling the startup, aiming for £100,000 in revenue through increased distribution and ad sales while bringing new partners on board to enhance the technology and reach more people.
Geoffrey Mutabazi – Kaara
Geoffrey Mutabazi is revolutionising transportation in Africa with Kaara, a startup that converts regular bicycles into electric ones through affordable and sustainable conversion kits.
His innovation integrates smart pedal assist and GPS tracking, providing mobility solutions for farmers, healthcare workers, and small businesses. Since launching in 2022, Kaara has deployed over 120 electric bicycle kits and supported refugee settlements with last-mile medical deliveries.
The electric bicycles, which are low-maintenance and compatible with solar energy, enable small business owners to improve logistics while giving urban commuters a cost-effective and eco-friendly mobility solution.
In 2025, Mutabazi is focusing on scaling production, expanding partnerships with organisations like Mastercard Foundation and Save the Children, and driving discussions around sustainable transportation.
Davis Mpairwe– Outlabs Uganda
Davis Mpairwe is leading Outlabs Uganda, a non-profit organisation dedicated to equipping marginalised communities with digital skills.
Recognising the digital divide in Bushenyi District, Mpaire and his team have trained students across five schools, empowering over 500 young people with essential tech knowledge.
Through outreach programs, Outlabs provides IT training in secondary and primary schools, ensuring that students can navigate the digital world. In 2025, Mpaire plans to secure $50,000 in grants to expand outreach programs, increase the number of schools involved, and establish a community IT hub for continued learning and innovation. By bridging the digital skills gap, Outlabs is empowering the next generation with the tools they need to succeed in the modern world.
Cirus Sumika – Sumic IT Solutions
Cirus Sumika founded Sumic IT Solutions in 2019 with a vision to drive digital transformation across Africa and Asia. His company provides software development, IT consultancy, and AI-driven solutions, supporting over 50 SMEs.
Beyond business, Sumika has made a mark in healthcare and tourism, working with FVital Inc (Japan) to develop an AI-based neonatal resuscitation system and partnering with Eftax (Japan) to create the Halo Dish App for Muslim travelers seeking Halal-friendly restaurants and prayer spaces in Japan and Thailand.
Irene Mwoyogwona: Beyond the Numbers – How Pride Bank's Award-Winning CFO Combines Profitability and Social ImpactIn 2025, he is focused on global expansion, increasing market penetration in Asia and Africa, and securing new international collaborations to drive further innovation in digital solutions.
Dr. Yacoub A. Hachine – Vigilant Living
As a medical student, Dr. Yacoub A. Hachine struggled with weight issues, leading him to co-found Vigilant Living with Dr. Ledra Boersalino. Their social enterprise fights non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through digital health coaching.
With over 500 direct beneficiaries and 3,000 people engaged through social media, Vigilant Living is making health awareness more accessible.
The organization operates a Center for Healthy Aging and conducts community health outreach programs in Kayunga and Masaka, where individuals receive health assessments and guidance on preventive care.
In 2025, Dr. Hachine is focused on expanding content, marketing, and launching a digital health application to make services more accessible to the growing number of people in need of health education and support.
Paul Zaake – AgriShare
Paul Zaake is transforming the agricultural sector with AgriShare, a platform that connects farmers to essential resources such as machinery, labor, and land. Since its inception, the startup has reached over 79,000 users with 4,000 active listings.
The AgriShare app provides an online marketplace for agricultural tools, while its offline support system—including call centers and hub offices—ensures that even farmers without smartphones can access its services.
Last year, AgriShare’s revenue increased fourfold, and in 2025, Zaake aims to grow revenue tenfold by expanding app adoption, forming strategic partnerships, introducing new services, and extending operations to new regions.
Ethan Bampaire – Neexa AI
AI is reshaping global markets, and Ethan Bampaire is at the forefront of this transformation with Neexa AI. His startup leverages AI-powered conversations to enhance B2C sales through automated customer engagement.
Neexa has already worked with over 100 businesses, engaging 25,000 prospects across email, websites, and social media. The impact has been remarkable—one of its clients, Purifaaya, recorded a 52% increase in sales due to Neexa’s AI-driven sales automation.
Additionally, Neexa supports multilingual customer interactions, enabling businesses to connect with non-English speakers. In 2025, Bampaire plans to introduce new AI-driven features, automate order-taking processes, and expand into international markets, with a strong focus on the U.S.
The Future of Ugandan Innovation
These entrepreneurs are more than startup founders—they are visionaries shaping the future of Uganda and beyond. Their impact extends across industries, from clean energy and healthcare to AI and agriculture, driving economic growth and improving lives. Their work is a testament to Uganda’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa.
As we move into 2025, their dedication to innovation and social transformation will continue to inspire the next generation of changemakers.
By leveraging technology and addressing real-world challenges, these startup founders are setting a precedent for sustainable growth and economic empowerment.
Keep an eye on these names—they are the future of Africa’s startup ecosystem, proving that innovation, when combined with purpose, can change lives and transform communities for generations to come.
