Uganda is moving closer to producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) with the launch of a feasibility study report that outlines a roadmap for implementation.
The study, conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and funded by the UK government, confirms Uganda’s potential to produce SAF and reduce carbon emissions in the aviation sector.
The study was launched in April 2025, with a kick-off workshop held in Entebbe, Uganda, bringing together stakeholders to discuss Uganda’s potential to produce and adopt SAF.
Speaking at the launch of the report in Entebbe on Monday, Deputy Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), Olive Birungi Lumonya, emphasized the importance of SAF in achieving ICAO’s long-term aspirational goals to reduce aviation CO2 emissions by 2050.
“The use of SAF, Lower Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF), and other cleaner aviation energy sources is expected to make the largest contribution to reducing aviation CO2 emissions by 2050,” she said.
Cesar Velarde, Representative of ICAO Director Office of Environment, highlighted that Uganda has feedstock options to produce SAF, mainly based on waste, including agricultural residues and municipal solid waste. This offers a double environmental benefit, addressing circular economy and reducing aviation’s environmental impact.
“The report is mainly highlighting that Uganda has the potential and the capacity to produce in the future sustainable aviation fuels. This is paving the road for the future of aviation in terms of making a sustainable transport but as well reducing the dependence of sources of energy and providing also opportunities in other areas that are outside aviation in the country like agriculture, like waste management and energy industry,” Velarde said.
Director Safety, Security and Economic Regulations at UCAA, Ronny Barongo, highlighted Uganda’s commitment to sustainability, noting that the country voluntarily joined the ICAO Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) in 2019.
“We are embracing innovation, improving operational efficiency, and accelerating the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable fuels,” he said.
The study’s findings will inform the development of a business case for SAF production in Uganda, with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) expected to play key roles in implementation. UCAA will provide advisory support throughout the process.
The feasibility study is part of Uganda’s efforts to contribute to global environmental protection and benefit from the value chain of SAF production.
The country aims to reduce carbon emissions by 5% by 2030, in line with ICAO’s global collective aspiration.
The production of SAF is expected to bring several benefits to Uganda, including environmental sustainability, energy security, economic opportunities, and aviation growth.