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Uganda has launched a nationwide uranium exploration program in Buhweju District to secure its energy future. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development is actively promoting this initiative, emphasizing the importance of nuclear energy in achieving national energy goals.

Uganda has initiated a national uranium exploration program in Buhweju District, marking a significant milestone in the country’s energy development.

The Nuclear Energy Department of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has recently commenced a pivotal awareness campaign in Buhweju, signaling the beginning of an ambitious nationwide uranium exploration initiative.

On Monday, November 27, the ministry’s technical team engaged political and civic leaders at the Buhweju District headquarters in Western Uganda.

Emmanuel Wamala, the acting assistant commissioner for nuclear fuel, elucidated the broader context of the nuclear energy initiative, stating, “Uganda is endowed with a myriad of energy resources, and uranium is a pivotal component in our future energy mix. Our objective is not merely to meet current energy needs but to secure the energy future for generations to come.”

The exploration in Buhweju is an integral part of a larger national strategy, encompassing Uganda’s diverse energy landscape, including potential resources from hydropower, biomass, solar, and uranium.

“To realize our Vision 2040 and achieve the 52,481 MW capacity target, the incorporation of 24,000 MW of nuclear energy is pivotal,” highlighted Wamala.

Godfrey Tumwebaze, the Buhweju Deputy Resident District Commissioner, underscored the project’s significance for Uganda, noting, “Uganda’s economic and population growth necessitate an expanded and diversified energy infrastructure. Nuclear power offers a stable and clean energy source, essential for our industrialization efforts.”

The national uranium exploration initiative spans several districts, with regions such as Arua, Pakwach, Adjumani, Masindi, Mbarara, Hoima, Kitgum, Kabarole, and Sembabule identified for potential uranium deposits.

Tumwebaze added, “These explorations are a significant step towards self-reliance in energy resources and an integral part of our national energy strategy.”

Addressing community concerns about safety, Tumwebaze assured the public regarding the safety and benefits of the project. “Our approach to uranium exploration and mining is not only about harnessing a resource but also about ensuring the benefits are shared with local communities.”

Tumwebaze emphasized the strategic importance of nuclear energy in achieving Uganda’s developmental goals and the critical role of uranium. “With an annual requirement of 4,000 tons of uranium for our proposed nuclear capacity, exploring our domestic uranium resources is paramount.”

Robert Abenaitwe, the Buhweju Chief Administrative Officer, emphasized that exploration and subsequent mining activities should translate into tangible benefits for the involved districts, particularly in infrastructure development and job creation.