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From Hydro to Nuclear: Uganda Maps 24,000MW Power Sites as AEC, IAEA Lead Safety Review
Uganda is gearing up for a nuclear-powered future identifying four sites to generate 24,000MW of electricity. The AEC and IAEA are leading efforts to ensure safety, public confidence and a skilled regulatory workforce as the country reduces reliance on hydropower.
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The Atomic Energy Council (AEC), in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is convening a week-long workshop dedicated to reviewing site safety for nuclear installations.
The engagement focuses on key site characteristics for radiological environmental impact assessments as Uganda advances its nuclear energy ambitions.
This workshop is part of the AEC’s broader strategy to strengthen the competence of its staff and stakeholders tasked with regulating nuclear installations.
Participants are examining site evaluation processes, licensing requirements and safety considerations while also receiving hands on training in the assessment of safety analysis reports. Practical skills are important in ensuring Uganda’s nuclear program is safe, credible and sustainable.
Speaking at the workshop, Deogratias Luwalira, CEO of the Atomic Energy Council, described the engagement as timely and essential for strengthening Uganda’s institutional capacity to oversee nuclear power program activities.
He said that Uganda’s plans for a nuclear power plant in Buyende District and a research reactor at Soroti University will require a highly competent workforce capable of ensuring safe and secure siting of nuclear installations.
“The establishment of nuclear installations must guarantee safety, build public confidence and ensure both technical and economic feasibility,” Luwalira emphasized.
Professor Sam Kinyera Obwoya, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Council emphasized the importance of geology, ecology, demographics and environmental baselines in nuclear site selection. These, he argued are not just technical requirements but critical safeguards for human health, environmental protection and public trust.
“Understanding the environment in which we place these installations is the foundation of safety. It is about protecting people, safeguarding nature and earning the confidence of the public we serve,” Obwoya said.
The workshop has drawn participation from government institutions and international experts from the IAEA who are sharing insights on the global best practices.
Uganda has already identified four potential sites for nuclear power plants: Buyende, Kiruhura, Lamwo and Nakasongola Districts. When completed, these sites are projected to generate a combined 24,000MW of power a transformative boost that will reduce Uganda’s reliance on hydropower and stabilize energy supply. The developments are expected to cost more than UGX 900 trillion marking one of the most ambitious infrastructure investments in the country’s history. [developing story…..]
On the sidelines of this engagement, the AEC revealed progress on other critical regulatory efforts. The Council has contributed to the review and amendment of the Atomic Energy Bill 2024 and is currently developing new regulations covering:
- Site evaluation for nuclear installations
- Licensing requirements for nuclear plants
- Safety protocols for research reactors
- Physical protection of nuclear materials
AEC has developed technical guidelines on siting nuclear installations and crafted a human resource strategy aimed at building a skilled regulatory workforce to support Uganda’s nuclear journey.
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