The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability by highlighting a range of initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, improving flight efficiency and promoting the use of modern technologies in Uganda’s aviation sector.
The initiatives were presented during the 3rd CEO Breakfast and High-Level Meeting on Green Economy, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Sustainability held on October 14, 2026, at the UNICEF Conference Centre in Mbuya, Kampala.The meeting, which brought together leaders and stakeholders to discuss ways of promoting sustainable development, was officially opened by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth.
It was held under the theme, “Accelerating Uganda’s Green Economy Transition through Digital Transformation,” focusing on the role of technology and innovation in supporting environmentally friendly economic growth.During a panel discussion, UCAA representative Vianney Luggya highlighted several measures the Authority is undertaking to make aviation more environmentally responsible. He explained that UCAA is investing in initiatives designed to reduce the environmental impact of aviation while supporting the development of a safer, more efficient and modern air transport system.One of the initiatives highlighted was the acquisition of five Kayoola electric vehicles.
The move reflects UCAA’s efforts to embrace cleaner transport technologies and reduce reliance on conventional vehicles that use fossil fuels. Electric vehicles can help reduce emissions from ground transport, contributing to broader efforts to protect the environment and support Uganda’s transition towards a green economy.Luggya also highlighted the development of Uganda’s State Action Plan for reducing carbon emissions from aviation. The plan is intended to support efforts to address the environmental impact of air transport and promote measures that can help the country reduce emissions as the aviation industry continues to grow.
UCAA is also participating in the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), an international initiative designed to address carbon emissions from international flights.In addition, the Authority is undertaking a feasibility study on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which could provide an alternative to conventional jet fuel. Sustainable aviation fuel is being explored globally as one of the options for reducing aviation’s carbon footprint. The study will help assess its potential application in Uganda and inform future decisions on how the country can support the transition towards more sustainable air transport.Beyond environmental initiatives, UCAA is investing in modern air navigation technologies to improve the efficiency of aircraft operations within Uganda’s airspace.
These include establishing a national Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) framework and implementing navigation procedures that use the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) in line with ICAO requirements. Such technologies help aircraft navigate more accurately and follow more direct routes where operationally appropriate.Uganda is also participating in regional Free Route Airspace initiatives, which seek to give aircraft greater flexibility in selecting routes instead of relying entirely on fixed airways. By allowing more direct and efficient flight paths where permitted, these technologies can help reduce flight distances, fuel consumption and associated carbon emissions.
They can also improve airspace capacity and support aviation safety by making air navigation more efficient.Through these initiatives, UCAA is demonstrating how digital transformation and environmental sustainability can work together to support the future of aviation.
As Uganda continues to strengthen its air transport sector, investments in cleaner vehicles, emissions-reduction measures, sustainable fuel research and modern navigation systems are expected to remain important parts of the broader effort to build a safer, more efficient and environmentally responsible aviation industry.
