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Goverment defends new Atomic Energy Bill

Peter 12th Jun, 2024 Energy Pedson Mumbere
Goverment defends new Atomic Energy Bill

Energy Minister Nankabirwa makes her presentation as Kisolo, the Uganda Atomic Energy Council chairman, looks on


Environmental activists have put the Government on the defensive over the new Bill that it has drafted to replace the Atomic Energy Act of 2008.

At a consultative workshop in Kampala to discuss the new Atomic Energy Bill of 2024, environmental activists argued that Uganda lacks the capacity and preparedness to safely manage nuclear energy, citing potential environmental and safety risks.

However, Ruth Nankabirwa, the Energy and Mineral Resources minister, appeared to downplay the concerns, saying comprehensive measures are being taken to ensure Uganda's readiness.

  • "Our commitment to nuclear energy is grounded in rigorous planning and adherence to international safety standards," she asserted. "We have engaged with global experts and stakeholders to develop a robust framework that prioritizes the safety of our people and the environment."

Akisophel Kisolo, who chairs the Uganda Atomic Energy Council, added that the country is making significant progress towards utilizing nuclear energy.

"We are on course to have nuclear energy in Uganda," Kisolo stated confidently, while highlighting the ongoing efforts to establish the necessary infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and technical expertise to support the safe and effective use of nuclear power.

  • The new law provides for the expansion of the Uganda Atomic Energy Council from five to eight members and the establishment of the Uganda Nuclear Energy Company to manage the country’s commercial interests in the nuclear industry.

However, critics are not comfortable with some sections of the new law which appears to give the Minister too much power to appoint members, and the requirement that the Council must comply with all the minister’s directives at all times.

In March, experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) facilitated at a high-level meeting in Kampala to discuss nuclear law and raise awareness about the relevant international legal instruments under IAEA auspices and to improve the coun-try’s legal framework in regard to nuclear safety, security, safeguards and liability.

Nankabirwa emphasized the critical need for nuclear energy in Uganda's energy mix, noting that it offers a reliable and sustainable solution to the country's growing electricity demands.

She also noted that Uganda's move towards nuclear energy aligns with global trends, where many countries are adopting nuclear power to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.

  • However, nuclear energy faces challenges globally related to public perception and acceptance, including concerns about safety, environmental risks, and the legacy of past disasters involving nuclear power plants in highly developed countries.
  • The activists say that while nuclear energy offers potential benefits in terms of low-carbon electricity generation and energy security, policymakers must carefully weigh these benefits against the serious risks associated with nuclear power including radioactive waste that could contaminate soil, water, and air for very many years.

However, the Government has remained resolute in its determination to develop nuclear power for peaceful means, using its locally available uranium deposits.

The minister is set to set table the new Bill before Parliament for debate in the coming weeks.

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