UCAA Takes Green Aviation Push to New Level With Electric Vehicles, Cleaner Flight Paths

By Our Reporter
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) is stepping up its green aviation agenda through investments in electric vehicles, carbon emission reduction programmes and modern navigation technologies aimed at making air transport more efficient and environmentally friendly. The initiatives highlight the Authority’s efforts to ensure that the growth of Uganda’s aviation industry goes hand in hand with protecting the environment and embracing digital innovation.

UCAA presented its sustainability initiatives 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. The meeting was officially opened by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth, under the theme “Accelerating Uganda’s Green Economy Transition through Digital Transformation.”
During a panel discussion, the Authority’s representative, Vianney Luggya, explained how UCAA is introducing practical measures to reduce aviation-related emissions while improving operational efficiency. One of the initiatives is the acquisition of five Kayoola electric vehicles, demonstrating the Authority’s move towards cleaner transport alternatives that can help reduce emissions from ground transportation.

The Authority is also addressing the environmental impact of aviation through the development of a State Action Plan to mitigate carbon emissions. Uganda further participates 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. These efforts are intended to support the aviation sector’s contribution to wider environmental sustainability goals.

As part of its search for cleaner energy solutions, UCAA is conducting a feasibility study on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This alternative fuel is attracting growing attention worldwide because of its potential to reduce aviation’s carbon footprint compared with conventional jet fuel. The study will help assess its potential relevance to Uganda as the country explores options for supporting more sustainable air transport.
UCAA’s green agenda also extends to the technology used to guide aircraft through the country’s airspace. The Authority is developing a national Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) framework and implementing Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based navigation procedures in line with International Civil Aviation Organization requirements. These systems enable aircraft to navigate more precisely and support the use of efficient flight paths.

Uganda is also participating in regional Free Route Airspace initiatives, which provide airlines with greater flexibility to plan routes where operational conditions allow. More direct flight paths can reduce the distances aircraft travel, lowering fuel consumption and associated carbon emissions. These improvements can also increase airspace capacity and support safer, more efficient aircraft operations.
Through its investments in cleaner vehicles, emissions reduction, sustainable fuel research and advanced navigation systems, UCAA is working to make environmental responsibility part of Uganda’s aviation development. The initiatives demonstrate how technology can support both operational improvements and climate-conscious practices, as the Authority pursues a safer, more efficient and sustainable aviation sector.