Uganda has launched a national uranium prospecting project in the Buhweju District, marking an important step forward in the country’s energy development.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development’s Nuclear Energy Department recently launched a critical public awareness campaign in Buhweju. This marks the beginning of a large-scale national uranium exploration effort.
The ministry’s technical team met with political and civic leaders in the Buhweju District headquarters in Western Uganda on Monday, November 27.
The nuclear energy initiative’s larger background was outlined by Emmanuel Wamala, the acting assistant commissioner for nuclear fuel.
“Uganda is endowed with an abundance of energy resources, and uranium is a critical component of our future energy mix.” “Our goal is not only to meet current energy needs, but also to secure the energy future for future generations,” he stated.
The Buhweju exploration is part of a bigger national agenda. Uganda’s diversified energy environment includes hydropower, biomass, solar, and uranium resources.
“To realise our Vision 2040 and meet the 52,481 MW capacity target, incorporating 24,000 MW of nuclear energy is critical,” Wamala said in a statement.
The Buhweju Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Godfrey Tumwebaze, stated that the initiative was vital for Uganda.
“Due to Uganda’s economic and population growth, an expanded and diverse energy infrastructure is required.” Tumwebaze stated, “Nuclear power provides a stable and clean energy source, which is critical for our industrialization efforts.”
Several districts are involved in the national uranium prospecting project. Other areas considered for possible uranium resources, in addition to Buhweju, are Arua, Pakwach, Adjumani, Masindi, Mbarara, Hoima, Kitgum, Kabarole, and Sembabule.
said, “These explorations are a step towards self-reliance in energy resources and an integral part of our national energy strategy.”
Tumwebaze addressed the community’s safety worries by assuring them of the project’s safety and advantages. “Our approach to uranium exploration and mining is not only about harnessing a resource but also about ensuring the benefits are shared with the local communities.”
Tumwebaze emphasized nuclear energy’s strategic relevance in fulfilling Uganda’s development goals, as well as the important 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,” he went on to say.
Buhweju Chief Administrative Officer Robert Abenaitwe stated that the exploration and subsequent mining activities should provide in concrete advantages for the districts concerned, notably in infrastructure development and employment generation.
