Uganda’s desire to develop a sustainable nuclear energy programme received a boost last week when a team of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), reviewed the country’s draft Nuclear Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Strategy (2026–2031) with the aim of enhancing it.
The five-day evaluation workshop held in Kampala was in line with the ‘IAEA Milestones Approach’, which outlines 19 key issues countries must attend to when considering nuclear energy.
“Stakeholder engagement is one of the 19 critical issues under the IAEA Milestones Approach. It is important it is addressed when developing a safe, secure and sustainable nuclear power programme,” said Irena Chatzis, a Stakeholder Engagement Officer at the IAEA’s Department of Nuclear Energy, who led the team of experts that conducted the review.
“Building awareness and understanding among stakeholder groups – from government, local communities, and media to industry, CSOs and NGOs – is essential to earning trust and ensuring the success of any nuclear programme,” she added.
Chatzis speaking at the workshop as Barfield (C) and Bellona-Gerard (L) look on
Over the last 20 years, Uganda has sought to integrate nuclear power into its energy mix, outlining these ambitions in its Vision 2040 plan and the Energy Policy (2023). Its long-term goal of developing a 52,481 MW electricity generation capacity to meet future energy demand, has targeted at least 24,000 MW from nuclear power.
With support from the IAEA and other development partners, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has continued to train human resource, identify sites for nuclear plants among other interventions in its preparation for the introduction of nuclear energy.
The amendment of the Atomic Energy Act, 2008, which is intended to further strengthen the regulatory framework is also nearing completion.
“We are committed to using nuclear science and technology to meet the country’s development goals across sectors including health, water, industry, and electricity generation,” said Irene Bateebe, the Permanent Secretary at MEMD, in a statement delivered by Dr. Patricia Litho, the Ministry’s spokesperson.
Seeking the IAEA’s help in realigning its strategy with international best practices, was the Energy Ministry’s recognition of effective stakeholder engagement’s centrality in the development of Uganda’s nuclear programme, she added.
The strategy, which is designed to align with the National Development Plan IV, also aims to encourage broad public support towards nuclear energy.
“It is through dialogue that we can address public concerns, dispel misinformation, and build confidence – especially around radiation safety and waste management,” Bateebe noted.
Buyende in Busoga region, Eastern Uganda, has been identified as a potential site for the country’s first nuclear power plant, based on its geological stability (earthquake-free) and proximity to water for cooling.
However, because the project affects more than nine villages, extensive consultations and transparent communication about land access, compensation, and long-term community benefits is required.
While this has been carried out severally, Dr. Litho appreciates that more needed to be done.
“Project implementers need not assume that they can simply move in and start work. This land belongs to people with their livelihoods tied to it. We must continuously engage them and get their buy-in, first. It’s about showing the affected communities that they are sacrificing for a greater national good – and that they will benefit too, through electricity access, schools, jobs, and other socioeconomic (CSR) projects,” she said.
In their initial assessment ahead of their detailed report, the IAEA team – that also included Javier Farias from Argentina, Kelle Barfield from the USA and Bellona-Gerard Vittor-Quao from Ghana – noted that Uganda’s draft Nuclear Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Strategy needed to engage internal stakeholders more (including top to middle managers, the board and all staff), have clear timelines for specific deliverables and consider including key milestones expected and how they are measured to ascertain their success.
Sarah Nafuna (L) and Dr Litho (C) gift Barfield
Dr. Litho said such feedback would help the ministry revise and improve its strategy, specifically appreciating the inadequacies in the Ministry’s internal communication procedures.
“We often forget that our own staff are also stakeholders – and, therefore, Ministry spokespersons in their own right, as well. Importantly, stakeholder engagement is a journey – and we are committed to walking it together with all Ugandans.”
Uganda expects to participate in the IAEA’s first international conference on stakeholder engagement for nuclear power programmes that will take place in Vienna, Austria, next month.
Group photo of the workshop attendees
