The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Irene Bateebe, has highlighted the need to integrate nuclear energy into the electricity generation mix alongside other sources, as outlined in the Energy Policy for Uganda, 2023, in order to achieve Uganda’s Vision 2040 targets.
Speaking during the Integrated Uranium Production Cycle Review (IUPCR) Mission for Uganda by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that is running from May 14 to 22, 2024, Bateebe noted that Uganda is blessed with diverse energy resources, including hydropower, biomass, solar, geothermal, peat, fossil fuels, and uranium, strategically distributed across the nation, adding that their proper utilization is key to national development.
“Sustainable development and utilization of these resources are paramount to meeting both current and future energy demands, ensuring a prosperous future for generations to come,” Bateebe said.
She noted that the electricity generation potential from hydro, biomass, geothermal, and peat, even if fully developed, cannot meet Uganda Vision 2040 targets, reiterating that nuclear energy, among other sources, must be integrated into the electricity generation mix.
Bateebe commended the exploration and evaluation of uranium resources, supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency, as vital to ensuring a sustainable supply of nuclear fuel for Uganda’s planned nuclear power plants and research reactors.
In her remarks, the Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development in charge of minerals, Phiona Nyamutoro, revealed that the government plans to establish a Center for Nuclear Science and Technology for nuclear education, training, and research.
On her side, IAEA’s Technical Lead Uranium Resources and Production, Adrienne Hanly, noted that the IAEA IUPCR Mission in Uganda commenced following a request from Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development on July 28, 2023.
She revealed that the IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Energy responded with a signed agreement to support the mission on October 3, 2023.
Adrienne noted that the initiative is funded under the IAEA Technical Cooperation Project UGA2004, which focuses on supporting uranium exploration and evaluation. She added that the objectives of the IUPCR Review Mission in Uganda will include providing Uganda with an objective assessment of the status of its national infrastructure for uranium exploration, mining, and processing.
