The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has announced its commitment to aligning with global sustainability standards in aviation, marking a significant step toward a greener future for the country’s air transport sector.
This announcement was made during a feasibility study workshop on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), held in Entebbe. The event was organized by UCAA in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), with support from the Government of the United Kingdom.
According to the United States Department of Energy, SAF is a renewable jet fuel that significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional jet fuel. Its adoption is aimed at enhancing environmental protection and mitigating aviation’s contribution to climate change.
SAF is produced from renewable feedstocks such as used cooking oil, plant oils, agricultural residue, and captured carbon dioxide. It is typically blended with traditional fossil jet fuel, with the blending ratio influenced by availability and cost considerations—given the high production costs of SAF when used on its own.
The global aviation industry is pursuing the goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with SAF seen as a cornerstone of that transition. ICAO reports that over 360,000 commercial flights have already utilized SAF at 46 airports globally, mainly in the United States and Europe.
While aviation currently accounts for approximately 2% of global CO₂ emissions—and 12% of emissions from the transport sector—SAF has the potential to cut carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional fuels.
In his opening address at the workshop, UCAA Director General Fred K. Bamwesigye reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to the global net-zero emissions target by 2050. He emphasized the country’s proactive role in supporting ICAO’s environmental agenda, particularly through the promotion of SAF and cleaner energy alternatives.
The workshop brought together stakeholders from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, airline operators, fuel suppliers, and academic institutions. Its objective was to assess Uganda’s capacity to produce and integrate SAF into its aviation framework.
“This initiative offers tremendous potential—not only to improve environmental sustainability but also to generate socio-economic benefits throughout the country,” Bamwesigye noted.
Speaking at the recent Uganda-UK Trade and Business Forum in Kampala, UK High Commissioner to Uganda Lisa Chesney stressed the importance of SAF compliance as Uganda Airlines expands into European airspace. She highlighted the European Union’s SAF mandate, known as ReFuelEU Aviation, which requires airlines to incorporate SAF into 2% of their fuel use by 2025, increasing to 70% by 2050.
This regulation is central to the EU’s broader climate goals of reducing aviation-related emissions.
Uganda Airlines CEO Jennifer Bamuturaki assured stakeholders that the airline is prepared to meet these sustainability requirements. She noted that the London route, in particular, will be served by one of the most modern aircraft with minimal emissions, in line with international airport standards.