Summary:

• Uganda hosts an IAEA mission to assess its uranium production capabilities, crucial for its plans to develop 24,000 MW of nuclear capacity. The government emphasizes the importance of uranium exploration and partnerships to secure nuclear fuel supply for future power plants and research.

KAMPALA, (Examiner) – The Government of Uganda is currently playing host to a pivotal visit from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), marking a significant step in the nation’s aspirations for nuclear power. The occasion? An Integrated Uranium Production Review (IUPCR) mission aimed at evaluating Uganda’s potential to harness uranium resources, essential for its ambitious plans to generate 24,000 megawatts of nuclear energy.

Led by Phiona Nyamutoro, Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development (Minerals), Uganda is positioning itself for a future powered by nuclear energy. Nyamutoro emphasized the importance of uranium exploration, highlighting ongoing efforts within the country to uncover vital uranium deposits crucial for sustainable nuclear fuel supply. She further outlined Uganda’s strategic vision, which includes establishing a center for Nuclear Science and Technology to drive education, research, and medical applications of radioisotopes, all reliant on uranium production.

Irene Bateebe, permanent secretary at Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, underscored the collaborative efforts with IAEA in exploring and assessing uranium resources. These endeavors are pivotal for ensuring a stable and secure nuclear fuel supply, critical for Uganda’s envisioned nuclear power plants and research reactors.

Uganda’s nuclear ambitions are firmly embedded in its long-term development roadmap, Vision 2040, which integrates nuclear energy into the nation’s energy portfolio. Recent milestones include securing land for a nuclear power plant and announcing partnerships with Russia and South Korea for the construction of two nuclear plants with a combined capacity of 15 gigawatts. The momentum continues with Uganda’s foray into uranium exploration, exemplified by the launch of an initiative in the Buhweju district.

The IUPCR mission, a collaborative effort between Uganda and the IAEA, is scheduled from May 14 to May 22 in Munyonyo, signaling Uganda’s proactive stance in realizing its nuclear energy ambitions.