KAMPALA, Uganda — Winners of the inaugural Pachi Panda Innovation Challenge will travel to South Africa this weekend for the continental finals, following a partnership between MTN Uganda and WWF Uganda.
Among the finalists is Kampala Buzzline, a community initiative that restores pollinator habitats while engaging residents in climate education and green livelihoods. The project, founded by Hannington Sserwanga, secured second place in the national challenge and a prize of 10 million Ugandan shillings.
Kampala Buzzline will compete against innovators from Zambia, Cameroon, Nigeria and South Africa for the Africa-wide award.
Sserwanga said the initiative addresses a critical ecological decline. He noted that Kampala has lost 93% of its natural forest cover over the last 23 years, leading to a nearly 78% decrease in urban pollinators.
“Pollinators are essential for food production, biodiversity and livelihoods,” Sserwanga said. “Yet their habitats are disappearing fast.”
The project establishes pollinator corridors using native, nectar-rich plants. It trains youth and women to monitor biodiversity and generate income through a dedicated plant nursery. Sserwanga said the model combines ecological restoration with data collection and economic activity.
The initiative has already engaged more than 1,000 residents, schools and religious groups. Sserwanga reported that one core corridor now hosts 50 butterfly species, five bee species and two hoverfly species. The group also organized the first Kampala Bee Run to raise awareness.
Technology is central to the project, which uses digital mapping tools, iNaturalist and GIS to track insect populations.
Looking forward, Kampala Buzzline plans to expand its scalable model to cities like Nairobi. Sserwanga said the project supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including zero hunger and climate action.
“By making urban conservation participatory, economically viable and fun, Kampala Buzzline is proving that cities can become havens for pollinators,” Sserwanga said.
