The International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Integrated Uranium Production Cycle Review (IUPCR) Mission for Uganda kicked off today at Munyonyo Speke Resort.
The Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development in Charge of Minerals, Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro, endorsed the meeting, which will last from May 14th to May 22nd, 2024, under the theme “Uganda’s Uranium Potential: Harnessing Clean Energy.”
The peer review mission is aimed at evaluating and enhancing national regulatory, operational, social, environmental, and safety performance throughout all phases of the uranium production cycle.
During her opening remarks, Nyamutoro noted that energy is a key driver for socio-economic transformation and that the government of Uganda is committed to ensuring universal access to clean and reliable energy for all by 2040.
“With the growing energy demand mainly for key infrastructural developments such as the standard gauge railway, e-mobility, and e-cooking, the Government of Uganda seeks to utilise the hydropower potential on its rivers in the short and medium term but equally explore the very potent nuclear power option.” She said
Minister Nyamutoro stated that the Energy Policy for Uganda 2023 aims to develop 52,481 MWe of long-term generation capacity, with 24,000 MWe allocated for nuclear power.
Implementations made include amending the Atomic Energy Act, strengthening human resources, and developing uranium production programmes, adding that the government of Uganda is committed to adopting international best practices, and this IAEA mission will ensure uranium exploration is done according to international standards.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development,Batebe Irene Pauline,said that the Government of Uganda, with support from the IAEA, is exploring and evaluating uranium resources to ensure a sustainable supply of nuclear fuel for the planned nuclear power plants and research reactors.
“Uranium is the most widely used nuclear fuel material in nuclear power plants and research reactors and is required for Uganda’s nuclear power programme.”
“The planned nuclear power capacity will require about 4,000 tonnes of uranium annually when fully operational. Thus, there is a need for sustainable sources of uranium.” Batebe said
The total speculative resources of uranium are estimated at about 105,000 tU.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) developed an Integrated Uranium Production Cycle Review (IUPCR) mission programme to enhance Uganda’s uranium exploration and production, improve strategies, and enhance collaboration and technical support.
