Uganda Commits to Strengthen National infrastructure for nuclear Security

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa has affirmed Uganda’s commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy in compliance with the relevant safety, security and safeguard measures.

This was in her statement as the head of the Ugandan Delegation to the 65^th Regular session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General conference that is running from 20^th to 24^th September, 2021.

Nankabirwa said that Uganda highly values the Agency’s continued technical assistance to Uganda in advancing the use of nuclear science and technology in the areas of; food security, sustainable agriculture, human health, sustainable energy development and water resources management.

“My Government among others, prioritises the energy sector as a primary growth enabler to attain the national development agenda by 2040. The Government of Uganda aims to achieve electricity consumption of 3,668 kWh/Capita in 2040 from current level of about 200 kWh/Capita,” Nankabirwa said.

The Minister noted that to this end, the Government of Uganda continues to prepare for the introduction of nuclear power as part of the diversification strategy for meeting future electricity needs for social economic development.

To reaffirm government’s commitment towards nuclear power infrastructure development in a systematic manner, the Minister welcomed the Agency’s Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review mission planned this year.

Nankabirwa said that the partnership with the Agency through the implementation of the Technical

Cooperation Programme and other Agency supported activities has been beneficial in terms of human resources development and acquisition of specialised equipment across the various sectors of Government.

“In the current situation of the pandemic, we applaud the Agency for the continued assistance to Member States demonstrated by the good implementation of the technical cooperation programme,” Nankabirwa said.

Nankabirwa observed that with the nuclear power prospects and the significant increase of nuclear science and technology applications, Uganda reaffirms her commitment towards strengthening the national infrastructure for nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards.

“To this end, we welcome the Agency’s assistance towards nuclear law development and enhancing the nuclear security regime. Uganda believes that development cannot be sustained without peace and security,” Nankabirwa noted.