National biofuels blending programme launched

1 July 2025, 4:13 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, has today launched the National Biofuels Blending Programme, aimed at strengthening Uganda’s energy system.

“On behalf of the Ministry, I am pleased to announce the commencement of Uganda’s Biofuels Blending Programme, marking a significant milestone in our energy transition journey. This initiative will begin with the blending of petroleum spirit—commonly known as petrol—with 5% fuel-grade ethanol. This step reinforces our commitment to energy security, environmental sustainability, decarbonising the transport sector, and creating alternative market opportunities to support socioeconomic transformation,” she said.

According to the Minister, the programme is not merely about introducing a new type of fuel—it embodies the President’s vision for a sustainable, integrated, and self-reliant economy. It is backed by Uganda’s robust legal and policy frameworks, including Vision 2040, the National Energy Policy 2023, the Biofuels Act 2020, and the Biofuels Regulations 2022, all of which provide a clear roadmap.

Nankabirwa outlined the key objectives of the Biofuels Programme as follows: enhancing energy security, promoting environmental stewardship, driving economic development, boosting investment and innovation, and exploring export potential. The programme will also stabilise markets for local farmers and promote value addition to crops such as maize, cassava, and sugarcane—thereby creating employment opportunities across the country.

“The Ministry has made significant progress in ensuring readiness for the Biofuels Blending Programme. In accordance with the Biofuels Regulations 2022, we will begin with a 5% ethanol blending ratio. This phased approach is designed to gradually increase to the 20% target set by the Biofuels Act 2020. We plan to formally launch the fuel blending programme in August 2025,” she added.

If successfully implemented, the initiative is expected to create numerous job opportunities, thereby contributing to the reduction of unemployment levels across the country.