Uganda has taken a major step toward developing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) after a new feasibility study confirmed the country’s potential to produce the cleaner fuel in the coming years, reports Monitor.
The study, carried out by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) in partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), identifies several feedstock options for SAF production. These include waste materials such as agricultural residues and municipal solid waste.
During the public presentation of the report on Monday, Cesar Velarde, the lead consultant from ICAO’s Office of Environment, said SAF development would bring multiple environmental benefits by supporting the circular economy and cutting emissions from aviation.
“This marks the beginning of a new path for the future of aviation by helping make air travel more sustainable, lowering reliance on traditional energy sources, and opening up opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, waste management and energy,” Velarde said.
The findings support ICAO’s global goals to reduce emissions through greater use of SAF. Several regions, including the European Union, India and Brazil, have already introduced mandatory SAF use. Velarde noted that Uganda’s aviation sector and other industries stand to gain significantly from SAF production.
The next phase will involve a business implementation study to identify a viable SAF project and attract industry partners and investors. According to Velarde, the feedstock options identified in the study could help cut emissions by 80% to 90% over the fuel’s lifecycle, contributing to the decarbonisation of air travel.
UCAA Deputy Director General Olive Birungi Lumonya stressed the need to meet global carbon reduction commitments, including the 5% target set for Africa. She said the feasibility report confirms Uganda’s ability to support SAF production, adding that the UCAA will now focus on business planning and moving toward actual implementation. She also mentioned that fuel companies such as Tri-star are ready to adjust their systems for SAF production.
The feasibility study marks an important milestone in Uganda’s broader efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and build a more sustainable aviation sector. The report also outlines steps the government is expected to take to support growth in the SAF industry.
Ronny Barongo, UCAA’s Director of Safety, Security and Economic Regulation, thanked ICAO and the UK government for their assistance with the study. He said Uganda remains committed to environmental protection and climate action, noting the country’s participation in the ICAO Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) since 2019.
“The release of the SAF feasibility report is timely and marks a major turning point,” he said.
Barongo reaffirmed UCAA’s commitment to advancing sustainability, encouraging innovation and ensuring Uganda keeps up with global progress in green aviation technology. He highlighted the need for coordinated action, supportive policies and long-term investment to make SAF a reality.
He added that Uganda is well positioned to become a regional leader in sustainable aviation and to contribute to international goals to reduce aviation emissions by 5% by 2030. The study provides a detailed review of Uganda’s capacity to produce and use SAF and will guide cooperation between government agencies, aviation partners and other stakeholders. It also examines the technical, economic and environmental factors that will determine the success of SAF projects in the country.
