• Uganda, supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is preparing for uranium exploration to initiate its nuclear energy program, aiming to improve electricity access.
• The country’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, in collaboration with global experts and Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power, is working on the construction, design, and operation of nuclear power plants.
• Uganda’s goal is to achieve 100% electricity access by 2030 and start nuclear power generation by 2031, addressing its current power shortages and promoting economic growth.

Uganda is one of the latest places to join the nuclear energy craze. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conducted a mission called Integrated Uranium Production Cycle Review (IUPCR) tested the status of the infrastructure that Uganda will need to conduct uranium exploration as a first step of a uranium production cycle program.

It was a global effort since experts from all around the world came together to see if Uganda has certain aspects that would affect them having nuclear energy. Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development were involved frequently in the process.

Why is this important? Only half of Uganda has access to power and production of uranium will help power homes to give Uganda’s inhabitants a better living situation. The Ugandan government has a goal set of supplying their residents with a 100% electricity access rate by 2030 with the hopeful goal of  nuclear power generation in 2031.

This all started months ago when at a business conference the president of Uganda Yoweri Museveni said that using nuclear would be a “wise” choice most likely due to the world evolving and the fact that Uganda will soon be generating 2100 MW of electricity which won’t be enough for the country leaving nuclear to be the shining solution. As the conference progressed, Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development signed an MOU on nuclear cooperation with Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power. This agreement will allow the countries to work together regarding the construction, design, and operation of the nuclear power plants. Its safe to say, Uganda has put all bets in on nuclear.

Despite the potential for uranium riches in certain regions, Uganda faces a steep learning curve in nuclear technology. The challenge ahead lies in developing expertise, establishing robust regulatory frameworks, and fostering public support for this transformative energy initiative.

Uganda’s journey into nuclear energy represents a bold stride towards energy security and economic growth. With the right mix of international cooperation, domestic commitment, and strategic planning, Uganda aims to leverage nuclear power to propel itself towards a brighter, more electrified future.