The rapidly growing consumption of fossil fuels due to increases in vehicle ownership is changing Uganda’s carbon dioxide trajectory in the transport sector. Uganda lacks an official “approved” national transport policy, meaning that growth of vehicles is occurring in a mainly unregulated and unplanned manner. A lack of capacity within government and among potential partners to undertake the required analysis to support development of a sound policy framework further limits progress in this area. A lack of public acceptance can limit government action in this sector, indicating the need for awareness campaigns.

Uganda potentially could benefit from the GFEI, accessing best practices and expertise to guide policy and regulatory development. Uganda might consider positioning itself to be a GFEI pilot country.

The purpose of this NAMA is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable development in the transport sector through the implementation of a Fuel Efficiency Initiative that includes the development of policies and regulations that will promote the use of more efficient vehicles. The NAMA will help to address the government’s goal of meeting the energy needs of Uganda’s population for social and economic development in an environmentally sustainable manner.

The NAMA would reduce emissions on a per vehicle basis through a Fuel Efficiency Initiative designed to increase fuel efficiency in light- and heavy-duty vehicles. The actions could include development of a fuel efficiency policy; development of a regulatory framework for vehicle age, vehicle emissions, and fuel standards; vehicle inspection and maintenance; tax incentives to encourage acquisition of more fuel efficient vehicles; fiscal incentives for a vehicle replacement scheme; and a public information campaign. Reductions in fuel consumption per vehicle will lead to emission reductions from a business as usual (BAU) baseline.

This NAMA is linked to another NAMA, Periodic vehicle inspection for emissions and roadworthiness, which describes in greater detail the: i) pre-Shipment inspection for vehicles imported into Uganda and ii) periodic inspection and certification for roadworthiness for vehicles in Uganda. The vehicle inspection NAMA is a subcomponent of the fuel efficiency NAMA, which could be delivered as a standalone action or as part of this broader fuel efficiency NAMA. The two actions can be implemented simultaneously.