Uganda is among the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, ranked 12th globally. Its agriculture sector faces urgent sustainability challenges due to unsustainable land practices and poor adaptation to climate change. To address this, the UCIF—funded by the UK Government—was established to support innovators and entrepreneurs developing climate-smart agriculture (CSA) solutions.

The UCIF supports ideas that can transform Uganda’s agriculture sector through sustainability and resilience. Funding is available to pilot, incubate, or accelerate pre-proof-of-concept innovations, such as new or significantly improved products, services, processes, marketing methods, or organizational approaches.

What UCIF Offers:

• Seed Grants between £10,000 and £200,000

• Technical Assistance (TA): Delivered in partnership with Stanbic Business Incubator via:

  • Boot camps

  • One-on-one coaching

  • Peer learning & mentorship

  • Expert support (e.g. agronomists, engineers, marketers)

• Pitch Training: Prepare and rehearse for investor and stakeholder presentations.

• Matchmaking & Visibility: Exposure at investor forums, trade shows, and one-on-one investor matchmaking.

• Linkages to Growth Capital: Access to follow-on funding options (grants, equity, debt).

• Innovation Hubs Access: Workspace and prototype development support.

Eligibility:

Who can apply?
Open to both individuals and entities, including:

• Students, researchers, farmers, refugees

• For-profit companies, social enterprises, farmer organizations

• Women-owned or refugee-owned businesses

• Startups or existing enterprises (registered or unregistered)

Who CANNOT apply?

• Politicians or political parties

• Individuals/entities convicted of crimes or prior grant breaches

• Projects that serve only individual gain

• Applicants with conflict of interest with the CSJ Programme

• Entities with discriminatory practices

Geographical Focus:

Innovations must be piloted in one or more of the following subregions/districts of Uganda:

• Acholi, West Nile, Lango Subregions, and districts like Arua, Gulu, Adjumani, Kitgum, etc.

• All refugee settlements in these regions are also included.

Eligible Costs:

Funding can cover:

• Professional fees (consultants, developers, marketing)

• Travel (domestic & justified international)

• Technical testing & prototypes

• Capital equipment (proportionate use)

• Consumables, marketing materials, packaging

• Certification, intellectual property, rent (special facilities)

• Use of innovation hubs

Ineligible Costs:

• Real estate, vehicle purchases, taxes, VAT (if recoverable)

• Bank charges, fraud-related losses, endowments

• Retroactive costs, proposal prep costs

• General operational expenses not directly tied to innovation

Application Process:

Two Stages:

1. Concept Note Submission via csj.co.ug

   • Complete conflict-of-interest declaration

   • Fill in the concept note template

2. Full Proposal (if shortlisted)

   • Participate in boot camp

   • Submit full proposal

   • Pitch to independent reviewers

   • Final due diligence and board approval

Eligibility Verification:

• Enterprises: Certificate of incorporation

• Individuals: National ID, refugee ID, or passport