LocationsThe Greening UNDP Moonshot
UNDP Uganda leading the way in the Organizational target of 50% carbon footprint reduction by 2030
August 8, 2025
A certificate awarded to UNDP Uganda in recognition of its leadership in driving sustainability through UNDP operations
In August 2019, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Achim Steiner launched the ‘Greening Moonshot’, committing the organization to reduce its operational carbon footprint by 50% by 2030. In line with this organizational commitment, UNDP Uganda’s contribution to the Greening Moonshot has been recognized as one that is leading the way towards realizing this commitment. For the country office, this has been accomplished through a variety of ways. By the close of 2024, the office had been able to institute a set of measures such as: staff engagements contributing to behavioral change amongst staff, installed automatic light switches and procured energy star rated equipment, enhancing energy use efficiency in the office.
Additionally, UNDP Uganda was one of the earliest users of Electric Vehicles (EV) in country amongst the development partner community. The country office now has two EV’s in its fleet. These measures have led to a reduction of the office’s 2024 electricity uses by 66 per cent, a reduction in emissions and a reduction of the office’s cumulative air travel by 66 per cent. In totality, these measures have reduced the office’s Total Carbon Footprint by 46 per cent. In the context of the Greening Moonshot, UNDP Uganda therefore became one of only, 15 UNDP country offices globally to be selected for the Greening Moonshot Office Awards. Here recognizing the Office’s outstanding leadership and innovation in driving sustainability throughout UNDP operations.
Feature: Reducing carbon emissions through investments in Electric Mobility and Renewable Energy
UNDP’s Resident Representative Ms. Nwanne Vwede-Obahor (top left) during the launch of UNDP’s 1st electric car, a modern Nissan Leaf with a 60kwh battery, 110kw AC and synchronous electric motor.
UNDP Uganda
Globally, the transport sector accounts for approximately 25% of all energy-related greenhouse gas emissions due to fossil fuel combustion, making it a major contributor to air pollution and climate change. Since 2021, emissions from this sector have rebounded, growing by 8%, and according to the International Energy Agency, achieving the Net Zero scenario requires a 20% reduction in transport emissions by 2030. This calls for a rapid shift to electric mobility, efficient public transport, and energy-efficient vehicle operations.
Uganda’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) projects that the transport sector emissions will more than double by 2030, with energy and transport contributing 10.7% of total emissions. Fortunately, Uganda’s mitigation measures including the adoption of electric vehicles, railway electrification, and improved road infrastructure in supporting its 24.7% emission reduction target.
In line with this, UNDP in Uganda launched its 1st electric vehicle in November 2023 during the Uganda Energy and Mineral Week. To date UNDP has two EV in its fleet, reinforcing the country office’s commitment to green solutions and supporting Uganda’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
UNDP’s 2nd electric vehicle, a 2025 Nissan Ariya with an AC synchronous motor, driver assistance and 87kwh battery, with a charge time of 14hours, and running distance of 289 miles.
UNDP Uganda
During the EV launch in 2023, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, emphasized the need for increased investment in e-mobility. “When we invest in e-mobility, we can create jobs, boost domestic industries, and reduce our reliance on imported oil. Let’s look to e-mobility as a chance to build a better future for all,” she said.
“Uganda’s bold investment in e-mobility is truly inspiring. This is evident in the establishment of the Kiira Motors Corporation Plant in Jinja, which manufactures electric buses and vehicles. At UNDP, we are proud to be partnering in this vision. One example is the E-Mobility Skilling Programme, which is equipping young people with knowledge and skills in e-mobility technologies. As an office, we have also purchased two electric vehicles and implemented measures to reduce our carbon footprint.” – Ian King, Resident Representative a.i
“Electric vehicles have several advantages over fuel-powered vehicles. They have a lower running cost because electricity is cheaper than fuel per kilometer. In terms of maintenance, electric vehicles are also more affordable to maintain, they do not require oil changes, have fewer brake repairs, no need for oil filter replacements, and are environmentally friendly, this has reduced office operation costs.”- Abdourahmane Dia, UNDP Operations Advisor.
For Uganda, electric mobility is not just a climate solution it is a strategic move toward sustainable energy independence and long-term resilience.
Mr. Deo Abala, UNDP senior driver, while on duty with an electric vehicle
UNDP Uganda
“Electric vehicles offer fast acceleration and a smooth driving experience. Their batteries and electric motors are more reliable, as they do not require components like spark plugs, exhaust systems, oil filters, or engine oil. As a driver, using an electric car means my surroundings and I are not affected by harmful car fumes or noise pollution.” – Deo Abala, Senior driver, UNDP
Contributing to Uganda’s broader Greening Ambitions
UNDP continues to partner with the Government of Uganda and stakeholders in advancing sustainable energy use and development. These collaborations have spanned: Improving healthcare service provision; strengthening border management; facilitating trade in markets; advancing innovations in e-mobility and promoting increased access to affordable clean and renewable energy technologies at all levels amongst others.
UNDP Greening Initiatives
UNDP Uganda
- Solarization of Owino Market - Read more
- Solarization of Health Centre IVs - Read more
- Solarization of Border Posts - Read more
- Transforming public institutions from Biomass to electricity - Read more
- E- mobility Skilling Programme - Read more
- Start – up grants for women- and youth-led organizations such as Fine Reed Limited, Eco Plastile Limited, Eco Concrete Limited, Divine Bamboo Group Limited, and Yo-Waste Limited. These organizations are implementing projects focused on energy transition. Read more
There still more to be done with financing the only limit factor for broader progress. Access to clean, reliable, affordable energy - Sustainable Development Goal 7 - unlocks opportunities for the world’s poorest and improves people's lives to ensure no one is left behind. It enables the achievement of many other Sustainable Development Goals, from helping to alleviate poverty by supporting businesses and supporting access to education and information, healthcare, clean water, food security to empowering women, and advancing climate action. By embedding renewable ambition into climate plans, and linking it to inclusive development, we can drive the transformation Uganda needs.