MUNYONYO, UGANDA – May 14, 2024 – Uganda has embarked on a crucial step towards realizing its nuclear energy ambitions with the commencement of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Integrated Uranium Production Cycle Review (IUPCR) Mission. The week-long mission, themed “Uganda’s Uranium Potential: Harnessing Clean Energy,” is being held at Munyonyo Speke Resort from May 14th to May 22nd, 2024.
The mission, endorsed by Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro, Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development in Charge of Minerals, aims to comprehensively evaluate and enhance Uganda’s national regulatory, operational, social, environmental, and safety performance throughout all stages of the uranium production cycle.
In her opening address, Minister Nyamutoro emphasized the pivotal role of energy in driving socio-economic transformation. She reiterated the Ugandan government’s commitment to ensuring universal access to clean and reliable energy by 2040. 
“With the growing energy demand, especially for key infrastructural projects like the standard gauge railway, e-mobility, and e-cooking, Uganda is exploring its hydropower potential in the short and medium term, while also pursuing the highly promising nuclear power option,” Minister Nyamutoro stated.
She highlighted the Energy Policy for Uganda 2023, which targets the development of 52,481 MWe of long-term generation capacity, with 24,000 MWe allocated for nuclear power. Key implementations include amendments to the Atomic Energy Act, human resource development, and the establishment of uranium production programs. The government, she added, is committed to adhering to international best practices, with the IAEA mission playing a vital role in ensuring uranium exploration meets global standards.
Batebe Irene Pauline, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, underscored the government’s collaboration with the IAEA in exploring and evaluating uranium resources to secure a sustainable nuclear fuel supply for planned nuclear power plants and research reactors.
“Uranium is essential for Uganda’s nuclear power program,” Batebe explained. “Our planned nuclear capacity will require approximately 4,000 tonnes of uranium annually when fully operational. With estimated speculative resources of 105,000 tU, sustainable sourcing is crucial.”
The IAEA’s IUPCR mission is designed to strengthen Uganda’s uranium exploration and production capabilities, refine its strategies, and enhance collaboration and technical support. The mission’s findings will be instrumental in guiding Uganda’s efforts to develop a safe and efficient nuclear energy program.
