The government of Uganda has launched its Biofuels Blending Programme, aiming to reduce the country’s dependence on imported petroleum and promote cleaner fuel alternatives
The initiative was inaugurated in Kampala by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa, who emphasized its role in strengthening energy security, protecting the environment, and supporting economic transformation.
The programme begins with the blending of petrol (Petroleum Motor Spirit) with 5% ethanol known as E5 and is designed to gradually increase to a 20% blend, in line with the Biofuels Act of 2020. Ethanol used in the blend will be produced locally, creating value for Uganda’s agricultural sector by utilizing crops such as sugarcane, cassava, and maize. This is expected to benefit farmers, generate employment across the supply chain, and enhance agro-industrial development.
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Environmental benefits
Minister Nankabirwa underscored the environmental benefits of the programme, noting that ethanol is a renewable energy source that emits fewer greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuels. She also highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring a steady and affordable fuel supply while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector. The programme aligns with broader efforts to improve air quality and meet global climate obligations.
To ensure the programme’s success, the government has licensed several ethanol producers with a combined annual production capacity of 78.5 million liters, including firms such as Kakira Sugar Ltd., Hoima Sugar Ltd., and Bukona Agro-Processors. An additional 110 million liters of capacity is expected to be added in the near future. Strategic fuel blending facilities have also been set up at key border points, including Busia, Malaba, Mutukula, and Kawuku in Entebbe.
Over the next six months, the programme will undergo an incubation period leading up to full implementation by December 31, 2025. During this time, the government will continue to engage stakeholders and sensitize the public on the benefits of ethanol-blended fuel. Officials believe this initiative not only supports Uganda’s green energy goals but also opens up potential for regional ethanol exports, particularly in the aviation industry where global demand for sustainable fuel is rising.
