According to Monitor on July 8th, Uganda has launched a national biofuel blending program that mixes gasoline with ethanol extracted from local crops such as corn, cassava, and sugarcane. The government stated that this effort will enhance energy security and increase the income of farmers nationwide. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) announced the plan last week, which will start with a 5% ethanol blend (E5) and gradually expand to 20%, in compliance with the Biofuels Act (2020) and related regulations. The government says that this plan will provide a ready-made market for agricultural producers, especially cassava and sugarcane growers who have long struggled with low prices and limited added value. In the Teso sub region, cassava farmers have recently seen fresh cassava prices drop to 150 shillings per kilogram and dry cassava prices drop to 400 shillings per kilogram, causing huge losses. Similarly, facing ongoing market challenges and low returns, Busoga's sugarcane growers are also calling for government support.
