STUDENT
IMPACT
AWARDS
Recognising the students already shaping Uganda.
The Student Impact Awards are Uganda's national stage for student changemakers — innovators, entrepreneurs, activists, artists and scholars whose work is already shifting their schools and communities.
Organised by the Malaika Children's Initiative, SIA brings together finalists from across Uganda for a unique programme of coaching, mentorship and media training leading up to the live awards ceremony.
The 2026 Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, 8 September 2026 at the Makerere Innovation & Incubation Centre in Kampala.
Vision
A Uganda where every student innovator is seen, mentored and funded — irrespective of school, region or means.
Mission
Identify, celebrate and accelerate the boldest student-led impact in Uganda through a free, transparent awards programme.
Our Values
Integrity, inclusivity, excellence and youth-led leadership at every stage of the programme.
Our Promise
Free to enter. Mentorship for every finalist. A lifelong alumni network for every winner.
Uganda's boldest young changemakers. Fearless and persistent, they are in every district — often working quietly against the odds to invent, organise, teach, perform and build a more equitable Uganda.
On 8 September 2026, one of them will lift this trophy as Uganda's Student Innovator of the Year.
Award Categories
Ten competitive categories plus two honorary recognitions.
Student Innovator of the Year
For a student whose original invention, product or prototype solves a real Ugandan problem. Judged on originality, technical depth and potential to scale.
Academic Excellence Award
Celebrates students whose academic achievement is paired with demonstrable contribution beyond the classroom — research, mentorship or community teaching.
Student Entrepreneur Award
Recognises a student running a viable enterprise — revenue-generating, employing peers, or addressing a market gap — while still in school or university.
Student Ability Award — Foundation
Honours a student living with a disability whose excellence, leadership and resilience inspire their peers and reshape what is possible in Ugandan classrooms.
Talented Student Award
For outstanding talent in sport, music, dance, fine art, theatre or creative writing — demonstrated through public performance, competition or published work.
Global Citizen Award
For students whose action reflects global citizenship — cross-cultural leadership, advocacy on international issues, or partnerships beyond Uganda's borders.
Girls in Action Award
Celebrates a girl whose action — in STEM, leadership, advocacy or enterprise — opens doors for other girls across Uganda.
Media Student Award
Recognises a student journalist, podcaster, filmmaker or content creator whose work has informed, shaped public conversation, or amplified underrepresented voices.
Environmental Stewardship Award
For student-led work protecting Uganda's environment — climate action, reforestation, waste management, clean water, wetlands or biodiversity.
Tomorrow Leaders Award
For a student already leading peers in school government, faith, scouts, debate or community service with the integrity and vision of a future national leader.
Two collective honours.
Teacher of the Year
Honorary certificate awarded to a teacher whose dedication, mentorship and impact have shaped Uganda's next generation of student leaders.
School Club of the Year
Honorary certificate for a registered student club whose collective action over the academic year set the national standard for student-led impact.
Who can apply?
SIA is free, transparent and open to every eligible Ugandan student.
You CAN apply if…
- Aged 9–24 on 1 January 2026.
- Enrolled in a Ugandan primary, secondary or tertiary institution.
- Have not yet completed an undergraduate degree.
- Lead or co-lead an original project or initiative.
- Endorsed by a teacher, head of department or principal.
You CANNOT apply if…
- Holders of a completed Bachelor's degree or higher.
- Applicants outside the 9–24 age range.
- Students enrolled outside Uganda.
- Submissions without verifiable school endorsement.
- Direct family members of SIA judges or organising team.
Applicants under 18: a parent or legal guardian must co-sign the consent declaration when applying.
Frequently asked questions
Six phases. One September.
Launch & National Outreach
Public launch, school visits across Uganda's four regions, partner activations, and the free application portal opens.
Open Applications
Free applications accepted across all categories. Daily clinics on social media.
Judging & Shortlisting
Independent expert panels score by category. Verification calls with endorsers. Top finalists advance.
Finalist Spotlight Series
Daily features across national TV, radio and social. Each finalist receives mentorship pairing.
Innovation Showcase
Public exhibition day at Makerere Innovation & Incubation Centre — finalist demos, partner booths, school tours.
Awards Gala
Live ceremony with broadcast coverage. Category winners, honorary awards, alumni induction.
Stand with Uganda's brightest.
Four ways to partner — plus in-kind support.
Platinum
- —Title sponsor of two categories
- —Stage co-host slot at the gala
- —Premium logo on all assets
- —20 VIP gala seats
- —Co-branded national press release
Gold
- —Title sponsor of one category
- —Logo on broadcast bumpers
- —12 VIP gala seats
- —Booth at Innovation Showcase
- —Post-event impact report
Silver
- —Co-sponsor of one category
- —Logo on website + social
- —6 VIP gala seats
- —Mention in finalist features
- —Highlight reel feature
Bronze
- —Community Partner listing
- —Logo on programme booklet
- —2 gala seats
- —Social media thank-you posts
- —Invitation to alumni events
In-kind support welcome. We also accept in-kind partnerships — venue, logistics, broadcast time, equipment, mentorship, travel and more. Talk to us about a bespoke package.
Read the full partnership pack
Detailed benefits, audience reach, category alignment and activation ideas — everything your team needs to decide.
Become a partner
Two ways to take part.
Applications and nominations are completely free. Deadline 25 July 2026.
Applicant Form
Apply directly if you are a Ugandan student aged 9–24 leading your own project, initiative or innovation.
Open Applicant Form →Nomination Form
Know a remarkable student, teacher or club? Nominate them for recognition — including our Honorary Awards.
Open Nomination Form →Start with the Discovery Form
If you'd love to take part but don't yet have a project or documented impact, download this short discovery form. It will help you uncover your story, strengths and ideas — and get you ready to apply.
2026 Ceremony
Let's talk SIA.
Get in touch
- Phone+256 779 753 082
- Find usMalaika Children's Initiative
Makerere Innovation & Incubation Centre
Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda